TARLAC CITY – Newborn screening has transitioned to Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS), which now detects over 29 congenital disorders compared to the first newborn screening, that could only detect six disorders.
Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) Regional NBS Program Manager Jean Canlas emphasized the importance of ENBS in early detection and prevention of newborn disorders.
“Karamihan sa mga sanggol na may congenital disorders ay mukhang normal pagkapanganak. Sa pamamagitan ng ating newborn screening, ang mga kondisyong ito ay maaaring malaman na bago lumabas ang mga sintomas (Many newborns with congenital disorders appear normal at birth. Through newborn screening, these disorders can be detected before symptoms appear),” she said.
Canlas also named the panel of disorders that ENBS can detect, including endocrine disorders, amino acid disorders, urea cycle disorders, fatty acid disorders, organic acid disorders, hemoglobinopathies, and other conditions that may affect newborns.
She explained that with early diagnosis and treatment, newborns diagnosed through ENBS can still grow up healthy and normal.
“Sa pamamagitan ng tamang treatment, they can still live normal and healthy lives (With the right treatment, they can still live normal and healthy lives),” Canlas added.
She also mentioned that with ENBS, mental retardation or even early death among babies can be prevented.
Aligned with this, she advised that all newborns should undergo ENBS.
“A few drops of blood can help save lives. Help us save more babies with expanded newborn screening,” she stated.
DOH CLCHD also reminded that PhilHealth members can avail themselves of free ENBS under the Newborn Care Package. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)