Is newborn screening test necessary?

Question

Hi doctor,

My wife is pregnant, and the expected due date is in twenty days. I heard about newborn screening test, is it essential? Because it costs a lot. And please guide us about the medication and vaccination, after the baby's birth.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The newborn screening test is not mandatory at all. It is advisable when a family has some known genetic or metabolic disorder. Do not cord blood banking. A newborn baby does not require any medicines, except mother's milk. But, some drops of multivitamin and calcium are routinely given, which are not expensive. BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) and oral polio are mandatory vaccines given at birth. Hepatitis B is also given routinely. The vaccination schedule will be given to you at the time of discharge from a pediatrician.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Cord blood banking is useful if you have a family history of blood disorder or any genetic disorder. But, its benefits are not still proven. And it is too expensive.