The Power of Early Detection: 12 Illnesses Newborn Health Screening Tests For

One of the most powerful tools for safeguarding a baby’s health is early detection and diagnosis of any potential health issues. With newborn health screening, families can now gain a deeper understanding of their child’s genetic makeup, and use that information to help their child throughout life.

Newborn health screening, also known as newborn genomic screening, is a powerful tool for parents who want to play a proactive role in their child’s health. Whether you have a family history of certain conditions and diseases or you want to have peace of mind, this type of testing can provide numerous insights to make you feel at ease. Genomic screening uses a simple blood or saliva sample to sequence a baby’s DNA and identify any genetic variations or mutations that may be associated with a range of health conditions.

myNewborn Health Screening, a comprehensive genomic screening test by Americord, offers a more in-depth look at a baby’s genetic makeup. This test can be performed on infants within the first 36 months of life. By analyzing 407 genes, this test can provide a detailed analysis on over 390 metabolic and genetic conditions. To ensure parents have a thorough understanding of their child’s screening results, all families receive genetic counseling from our team of experts. This personalized guidance will help your family navigate any necessary interventions and optimize the child’s health outcomes.

One of the most exciting aspects of myNewborn Health Screening is the real-world clinical applications it can be used in. For example, this test can help to detect genetic mutations that may be associated with inherited diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease. By detecting these conditions early on, parents and healthcare providers can take steps to providing personalized medical care – right from the very beginning.

Let’s take a look at the 12 types of illnesses that Newborn Health Screening tests for.

Metabolic Disorders: Metabolic disorders are a group of conditions that affect the way the body processes food into energy. These disorders can be caused by genetic mutations that prevent the body from producing or using specific enzymes that are necessary for metabolism. Some of the most common metabolic disorders include phenylketonuria (PKU) and galactosemia.

Hematologic conditions are a group of disorders that affect the blood and blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow. Some of the most common hematologic conditions include thrombophilia and hemophilia.

Deafness, or hearing loss, is a common condition that can have a significant impact on a child’s development and quality of life. Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, illness, and injury.

Syndromic conditions are a group of genetic disorders that are characterized by a specific pattern of physical, intellectual, and developmental abnormalities. Some of the most common syndromic conditions include cystic fibrosis and Usher syndrome.

Endocrine conditions are a group of disorders that affect the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones that regulate many of the body’s functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes. Some of the most common endocrine conditions include hyperparathyroidism and diabetes.

Immunological disorders are a group of conditions that affect the body’s immune system, which is responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. Some of the most common immunological disorders include severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and reticular dysgenesis.

Pulmonary disorders are a group of conditions that affect the respiratory system, which is responsible for providing oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide. An example of pulmonary disorders is Ciliary dyskinesia.

Neurological disorders are a group of conditions that affect the nervous system, which is responsible for controlling and coordinating the body’s functions. Some of the most common neurological disorders include Achromatopsia and familial dysautonomia.

Cancer predisposition is a group of genetic conditions that increase the risk of developing certain types of cancers at an early age or in a particularly aggressive manner. Some of the most common cancer predisposition conditions include Multiple endocrine neoplasia and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Musculoskeletal disorders are a group of conditions that affect the bones, joints, and muscles of the body. Some of the most common musculoskeletal disorders include osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and Cantu syndrome.

Cardiovascular disorders are a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Some of the most common cardiovascular disorders include arrhythmia and Long QT Syndrome.

Urogenital disorders are a group of conditions that affect the urinary and genital systems. Some of the most common urogenital disorders include congenital nephrotic syndrome, and Bartter syndrome type 4A.

myNewborn Health Screening provides a detailed report of results following your child’s health screening test.

All families will receive a comprehensive report with detailed information about the variants detected and the implications for the newborn. Families will have access to a trusted genetic counselor who will interpret and discuss the results.

So, what happens if a child is detected with a genetic mutation or disorder through myNewborn Health Screening? The answer is simple: early detection can lead to early intervention, and that can make all the difference in the world.

The power of early detection is clear. With myNewborn Health Screening, parents can gain a deeper understanding of their child’s health and use that information to help their child throughout life. Whether a child is detected with a genetic mutation or disorder, early detection and intervention can ensure that the proper care is taken. So, if you’re an expecting parent or couple considering having a baby, consider myNewborn Health Screening and discover the power of early detection for yourself. Remember to always discuss with your doctor!

Now that you understand newborn health screening and you’ve talked with your doctor about the benefits for your family, it’s time to sign up and prepare your kit to swab your newborn!

Americord is proud to offer myNewborn Health Screening, an advanced health screening test that analyzes your child’s DNA for nearly 400 genetic and metabolic conditions that may manifest during childhood. We believe that by investing in your child’s health with myNewborn Health Screening, you can take a proactive approach to their wellbeing from the start. With early detection, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your child receives the support and personalized healthcare they need to thrive throughout their life.

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