New Born Screening (aka PKU)
Phehyiketonuria also called PKU, is a genetic disorder. It is state mandated to test for this disorder. There are several other disorders which are also state mandated to test for. This is when the babies heel is poked, and 6 circles are filled with blood on a test card. Other tests are also performed by this same test card, not just PKU. This card with the blood is then sent into the state lab. The test is only accurate when your baby has been receiving a diet containing phenylalanine, found in both human milk and infant formula, for a period of at least 24 hours. Link1 Link2 Link3 Link4
Now lets discuss something that might not be too popular. Do you know that the ‘left over‘ blood from doing this new born screening is saved, and experiments can be done on this on a regular basis? It can be used to help find a cure for different things like diabetes, etc. But the state can not insure where the blood is used. Before this is done, you as the parent must give permission for this. Again this is from the left over blood. You will sign on the back of the test card and check yes or no . Have your care provider explain this to you.
The following are several of the disorders that are also tested for. It is not the full list of things that are tested for. For that list, see your states NBS information. Michigan has a list -click here
Click on each to go to the link to read more about them.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
