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Health Authority - Abu Dhabi launches comprehensive newborn screening programme
posted on 11/03/2010
The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, announced the launch of the newborn screening program, targeting genetic, endocrinologic, metabolic and hematologic diseases.
The program ensures that every baby born in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has access to the comprehensive Newborn Screening Program for early screening and detection of inherited and hormonal disorders within the first days of life, with the aim to improve health outcomes through early treatment, management and proper counselling.
The Abu Dhabi Comprehensive Newborn Screening Program encompasses: Parent Education, Comprehensive Newborn Physical Exam, Screening Tests, Follow-up, Diagnosis, Counselling, Management, Treatment and Evaluation.
Newborn screening has been adopted by most countries around the world, though the lists of screened diseases vary widely, anywhere from 1 to more than 100 disorders. Under the program adopted for Abu Dhabi, all newborn babies will be tested against Phynylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Sickle Cell anaemia, Thalassemia, Galactosemia, Biotinidase, Cystic Fibrosis, Hearing Loss, and Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency. These disorders were selected on the basis of assessment of public health needs, potential benefits and cost-effectiveness of early detection and management of newborns diagnosed with these conditions.
Dr. Oliver Harrison, Director of Public Health and Policy Division at HAAD, said: "Although most of the disorders are rare, they are usually serious. Some may be life threatening; others may slow down a baby's physical or mental development or other problems if left untreated. Newborns are perhaps the most vulnerable members of our community and we aim to do all we can, in line with the best international practice, to protect them".
The Newborn Screening Program is performed by taking a blood sample by pricking the baby's heel. The blood is collected on a special filter paper and sent to the laboratory. The newborn screening sample should be taken between one day (after 24 hours) and two days after a baby is born. If the initial newborn screening sample is taken before 24 hours of age, the hospital where the baby was born should arrange a repeat test within two days. Babies with suspicious tests are recalled for confirmation and subsequent referral to adequate care.
Parents may choose to decline newborn screening for their baby. If parents consider declining newborn screening, they are advised to discuss their decision with their health care provider. Health care providers will usually document this decision in the baby's medical record and parents will be asked to sign a form indicating that they have declined this testing for their baby. -
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