Which statement about newborn screening is described as most accurate in the material?

Which statement about newborn screening is described as most accurate in the material?

• A. Sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis screening tests are required in all 50 states.
• B. Screening is performed for disorders in which there are no cures.
• C. Screening is performed using a simple screening method.
• D. PKU, galactosemia, hypothyroidism screening tests are performed only in symptomatic newborns.

Answer: (C)

Newborn screening is designed to quickly identify conditions in seemingly healthy newborns so early treatment can prevent serious problems. It relies on a simple, efficient testing method that can be applied to virtually all infants. The standard approach uses a small blood sample collected from the newborn’s heel (a heel-stick) and sent to a lab for analysis. This method allows many tests to be run in a short time and with minimal invasiveness, making it practical for universal use. It’s important to remember that this is a screening test, not a diagnostic one—if a screen is positive, confirmatory testing and follow-up care are needed.

Newborn screening is designed to quickly identify conditions in seemingly healthy newborns so early treatment can prevent serious problems. It relies on a simple, efficient testing method that can be applied to virtually all infants. The standard approach uses a small blood sample collected from the newborn’s heel (a heel-stick) and sent to a lab for analysis. This method allows many tests to be run in a short time and with minimal invasiveness, making it practical for universal use. It’s important to remember that this is a screening test, not a diagnostic one—if a screen is positive, confirmatory testing and follow-up care are needed.