Every baby born in Oklahoma is required to have the newborn screening test completed in the first week of life, after 24 hours of age. Saint Francis facilities will typically complete the test while mom and child are still in the hospital. Newborn screening is the practice of testing every newborn for certain harmful or potentially fatal disorders that are not otherwise apparent at birth.
Oklahoma's Newborn Screening
The newborn screening tests for many conditions but does not screen for all childhood disorders. About one in 1,000 babies in Oklahoma are found to have a disorder through the newborn screening. This test requires a small amount of blood which is collected from your baby’s heel. Screenings include:
- Phenlketonuria (PKU)
- Classic galactosemia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Maple syrup urine disease
- Amino acid disorders
- Biotinidase deficiency
- Fatty acid oxidation disorders
- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Sickle cell disease
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Homocystinuria
- Organic acid disorders
- Medium-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD)
What Do I Need to Know About the Newborn Screening Test?
At birth, babies with a disorder often appear healthy. Without a blood test, it is difficult for the doctors to know if the baby has a problem. A baby with one of the disorders listed above, who is not treated within the first month of life, can develop severe illness.
The birth hospital and the doctor listed on the lab order will be notified of the test results. To be sure the results are promptly reported to the right person, make sure the hospital has the correct contact information. This includes your address, phone number and your child's pediatrician.
Additional Genetics and Newborn Screenings Available
Metabolic and other inherited disorders can change an infant's normal physical and mental development in a variety of ways. Many of these metabolic disorders (often called "inborn errors of metabolism") interfere with the body's use of food and nutrients to maintain healthy tissues and produce energy. Other disorders that newborn screening can detect include problems with hormones or the blood.
Our newborn genetic screening program offers a number of services, including:
- Newborn screening DNA testing
- Follow-up laboratory testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis
- Short-term follow-up after a baby is found to have a positive screening result
- Long-term clinical care after the diagnosis of a metabolic disorder
These conditions are rare and most babies are given a clean bill of health. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment can make the difference between lifelong impairment and healthy development.
Make an Appointment with Saint Francis Genetics
Talk to your child's pediatrician to see if an appointment with a geneticist is right for your family. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Saint Francis Genetics, please call 918-502-2280. We're dedicated to assisting you with insurance authorizations for appropriate testing. Start gathering your relatives' history by printing and completing this family history form. Bring it with you to your first appointment.
Physician Referral to Saint Francis Genetics
Physicians may refer a patient for genetic counseling or genetic evaluation by logging into EPIC or by using our Genetic Referral form.
Learn More About Healthcare Services Provided Through Saint Francis
The physicians, staff and volunteers of Saint Francis Health System are dedicated to the healthcare of our communities in eastern Oklahoma. To learn more about services provided through Saint Francis, please call Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.