Newborn Screening
Content
Newborn Screening
Ideally, your baby undergoes Newborn Screening (NBS) within three days of his birth. NBS will be able to tell if your baby was born with any metabolic disorders that will affect his body's normal processes and functions.
What is my baby being screened for?
Currently, NBS tests for five disorders:
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency A condition where the body lacks the enzyme called G6PD. The deficiency may cause hemolytic anemia, when the body is exposed to oxidative substances found in certain drugs, foods and chemicals. Parents of G6PD-positive babies receive a list of these substances from their doctor.
While this is the mildest disorder that is covered in NBS, it is the most common: One out of 55 babies may be affected. Read more in our article on G6PD deficiency.
Congenital Hypothyroidism This is a lack of thyroid hormone, which your baby needs to grow. Treatment is required within the first four weeks of a baby's life to prevent stunted physical growth and mental retardation. One out of 3,369 babies is at risk.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia An endocrine disorder that causes severe salt loss, dehydration and abnormally high levels of male sex hormones. Left undetected and untreated, it can be fatal within seven to 14 days. One in 7,960 babies is at risk.
Galactosemia A condition in which babies cannot process the sugar present in milk (galactose). This leads to increased galactose levels in the body, which leads to liver and brain damage. It also causes cataracts to develop. One in 82,250 babies may be affected.
Phenylketonuria
A condition where the body does not properly use the enzyme phenylalanine, which may lead to brain damage. One in 109,666 babies may be at risk.
Is it really necessary to screen my baby?
It is crucial that these disorders are detected as early as possible. An affected baby looks healthy at birth because symptoms do not begin to show until weeks or months later. Once the signs and symptoms set in, the ill effects are often already permanent. If these conditions are left untreated, they may cause health complications or inhibit mental development. In the most serious cases, they can cause death.
The Philippine Newborn Screening Project says that 33,000 children out of the two million Filipino babies born yearly are at risk from these disorders.
Fortunately, children diagnosed with any of these disorders can continue to live normal and healthy lives as long as they are treated in time and they consistently follow up with a specialist.
How is Newborn Screening administered?
Your baby will be pricked at the heel. Three drops of blood will be taken for testing.
A negative screen means that results are normal. A positive screen will require the baby to undergo further testing by a pediatrician. Parents are oriented about their child¶s condition through the National Institutes of Health (at the Philippine General Hospital). Parents will be notified through mail and through their attending doctors about positive results, and will be required to undergo the orientation and further testing at the NIH.
Is NBS compulsory?
The Department of Health and other health organizations strongly recommend that all babies undergo Newborn Screening. Most tertiary centers are accredited Newborn Screening testing centers. If a baby is delivered at home or in a primary health care setting or lying in, the baby can be brought to the nursery of any accredited center after the 48th hour of life for testing (on out - patient basis).
Sometimes, parents decline for various reasons, such as religious concerns. In these cases, they are asked to
acknowledge in writing that they understand the benefits of NBS and that they know they may be placing their newborn at risk for undiagnosed congenital conditions by declining the test. This dissent form is included in the baby's medical record and is recorded in the National Newborn Screening Database.
Newborn Screening
Print Email PDF
Republic Act 9288
Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health program aimed at the early identification of infants who are affected by certain genetic/metabolic/infectious conditions. Early identification and timely intervention can lead to significant reduction of morbidity, mortality, and associated disabilities in affected infants. NBS in the Philippines started in June 1996 and was integrated into the public health delivery system with the enactment of the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 (Republic Act 9288). From 1996 to December 2010, the program has saved 45 283 patients. Five conditions are currently screened: Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Phenylketonuria, Galactosemia, and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency.
Current Status of NBS Implementation in the Philippines
Newborn Screening Legislation NBS was integrated into the public health delivery system with the enactment of Republic Act 9288 or Newborn Screening Act of 2004 as it institutionalized the ¶National NBS System·, which shall ensure the following: [a] that every baby born in the Philippines is offered NBS; [b] the establishment and integration of a sustainable NBS System within the public health delivery system; [c] that all health practitioners are aware of the benefits of NBS and of their responsibilities in offering it; and [d] that all parents are aware of NBS and their responsibility in protecting their child from any of the disorders. The highlights of the law and its implementing rules and regulations are:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
DOH is the lead agency tasked with implementing this law; Any health practitioner who delivers or assists in the delivery of a newborn in the Philippines shall prior to delivery, inform parents or legal guardians of the newborns the availability, nature and benefits of NBS; Health facilities shall integrate NBS in its delivery of health services; Creation of the Newborn Screening Reference Center at the National Institutes of Health and establishment and accreditation of NSCs equipped with a NBS laboratory and recall/follow up program; Provision of NBS services as a requirement for licensing and accreditation, the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) Inclusion of cost of NBS in insurance benefits
Currently, there are four Newborn Screening Centers (NSCs) in the country: NSC-National Institutes of Health in Manila; NSC- Visayas in Iloilo City; NSC-Mindanao in Davao City; and NSC-Central Luzon in Angeles City. The four NSCs provide laboratory and follow up services for more than 3000+ health facilities.
DOH, its partners and major stakeholders remain aggressive in identifying strategies to intensify awareness in the communities and increase coverage among home deliveries. Among the recent efforts to increase the newborn screening coverage are appointment of full-time Regional NBS Coordinators; opening more G6PD Confirmatory Laboratories; partnership with midwives organizations; and production of information materials targeting different groups of health workers and professionals.
Key Players in the Implementation
Organizational chart for the national implementation of Newborn Screening
Newborn Screening Statistics As of December 2010, there are 2,389,959 babies that have undergone NBS and based on these data, the incidences of the following disorders are: CH (1: 3,324); CAH (1: 9,446); PKU (1: 149,372); Gal (1: 108,635) and G6PD deficiency (1: 52). The program has saved the following numbers of newborns from complications and/or death: 719 from CH, 253 from CAH, 22 from Gal, 16 from PKU and 44 273 from G6PD deficiency.
Coverage As of December 2010, the coverage of NBS is at 35%.
DIRECTORY OF PROGRAM IMPLEMENTERS
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control ²Family Health Office Program Manager Dr. Juanita A. Basilio Dr. Anthony P. Calibo
National Newborn Screening Coordinator: Ms. Lita Orbillo San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila Telephone: (02) 7359956 [email protected]
Newborn Screening Reference Center Director: Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla National Institutes of Health Building H, UP Ayala Land Technohub Complex,Commonwealth Avenue, Brgy. UP Campus Diliman, Quezon City Email: [email protected] www.newbornscreening.ph
Newborn Screening Centers
For Regions I, II, III & CAR Unit Head: Dr. Florencio Dizon Newborn Screening Center ² Central Luzon Angeles City University Foundation Medical Center MacArthur Highway, Barangay Salapungan, Angeles City Telephone: (045) 6246502-03; Email: [email protected]
For Regions IV, V & NCR Newborn Screening Center² National Institutes of Health Unit Head: Ms. Ma. Elouisa Reyes Building H, UP Ayala Land Technohub Complex,Commonwealth Avenue, Brgy. UP Campus Diliman, Quezon City Email: [email protected]
For Visayas Newborn Screening Center² Visayas Unit Head: Dr. J Winston Edgar Posecion West Visayas State University Medical Center E. Lopez St., Jaro, Iloilo City Telefax: (033) 329-3744; Email: [email protected]
For Mindanao Newborn Screening Center² Mindanao Unit Head: Dr. Conchita Abarquez Southern Philippines Medical Center J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City Telephone: (082) 226-4595 / 224-0337 Telefax (082) 227-4152; Email:[email protected]
Centers for Health Development
CHD
Mailing Address
Business Phone
NBS Regional Coordinator
CHD 1 - Ilocos San Fernando, La Union
(072) 2425315; (072) 2424773 (078) 3046585; (078) 8446585; (078) 8446523 (045) 4552324; (045) 9617649; (045) 9617654
Clarita B. Lewis, RN Leticia T. Cabrera, MD, MPA
CHD 2 Cagayan Valley
Tuguegarao City
CHD 3 San Fernando, Pampanga Central Luzon
Adelina Cabrera, RN
CHD 4-A Calabarzon CHD 4-B Mimaropa
QMMC Compound, Project 4, Quezon City
(02) 4403372
Maria Luisa M. Malana, RN
Quirino Hospital Compound, (02) 9134650; (02) Ma. Teresa Quezon City 9115025 Castillo, MD Carla A. Orozco, MD, MPH MS III
CHD 5- Bicol
First Park Subdidivion, Daraga, Albay
(052) 4830840 loc 517/516
CHD 6 Western Visayas CHD 7 Central Visayas CHD 8Eastern Visayas CHD 9 Zamboanga Peninsula CHD 10 Northern Mindanao
Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, Iloilo City
(033)3210364
Renilyn P. Reyes, MD
Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
(032) 4187633
Nayda P. Bautista,MD, MPH
Candahug, Palo , Leyte
(053)3235025
Lilibeth Andrade, MD
Upper Calarian, Zamboanga (062)9830314-15 City
Nerissa B. Gutierrez, RN
J.V. Seriña St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City
088-22- 727400
Ellenietta HMV N. Gamolo, MD, MPH
CHD 11 J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao Davao Region City
(082) 3051907; (082) 2214011
Ma. Clarose M. Mascardo, RN, MPH
CHD 12 Central Mindanao
ARMM Compound, Gov. (064) 4217436; Guttierez Ave, Cotabato City (064) 4218053
Lucy Decio, RN
Pizarro St. cor. Narra Rd. CHD CARAGA Butuan City
(085) 3411452
Glynna B. Andoy, MD, MPH Nicolas R. Gordo, Jr, MD
CHD CAR
BGHMC Compound, Baguio (074) 4428096; City (074) 4445255 Welfareville Compound, Brgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City ORG Compound, Cotabato City
CHD NCR
(02) 7183097; (02) Ma. Paz P. 5354521 Corrales, MD
CHD ARMM
(064) 4217703
Dayan Sangcopan, MD
Reunion of Saved Babies, October 10, 2010 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, Quezon City
Newborn Screening Poster
Continuing Education for Health Professionals, October 4, 2011 in La Union
The Heel Prick Method
NBS Awarding Ceremony October 3, 2011
Traders Hotel
Ideally, your baby undergoes Newborn Screening (NBS) within three days of his birth. NBS will be able to tell if your baby was born with any metabolic disorders that will affect his body's normal processes and functions.
What is my baby being screened for?
Currently, NBS tests for five disorders:
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency A condition where the body lacks the enzyme called G6PD. The deficiency may cause hemolytic anemia, when the body is exposed to oxidative substances found in certain drugs, foods and chemicals. Parents of G6PD-positive babies receive a list of these substances from their doctor.
While this is the mildest disorder that is covered in NBS, it is the most common: One out of 55 babies may be affected. Read more in our article on G6PD deficiency.
Congenital Hypothyroidism This is a lack of thyroid hormone, which your baby needs to grow. Treatment is required within the first four weeks of a baby's life to prevent stunted physical growth and mental retardation. One out of 3,369 babies is at risk.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia An endocrine disorder that causes severe salt loss, dehydration and abnormally high levels of male sex hormones. Left undetected and untreated, it can be fatal within seven to 14 days. One in 7,960 babies is at risk.
Galactosemia A condition in which babies cannot process the sugar present in milk (galactose). This leads to increased galactose levels in the body, which leads to liver and brain damage. It also causes cataracts to develop. One in 82,250 babies may be affected.
Phenylketonuria
A condition where the body does not properly use the enzyme phenylalanine, which may lead to brain damage. One in 109,666 babies may be at risk.
Is it really necessary to screen my baby?
It is crucial that these disorders are detected as early as possible. An affected baby looks healthy at birth because symptoms do not begin to show until weeks or months later. Once the signs and symptoms set in, the ill effects are often already permanent. If these conditions are left untreated, they may cause health complications or inhibit mental development. In the most serious cases, they can cause death.
The Philippine Newborn Screening Project says that 33,000 children out of the two million Filipino babies born yearly are at risk from these disorders.
Fortunately, children diagnosed with any of these disorders can continue to live normal and healthy lives as long as they are treated in time and they consistently follow up with a specialist.
How is Newborn Screening administered?
Your baby will be pricked at the heel. Three drops of blood will be taken for testing.
A negative screen means that results are normal. A positive screen will require the baby to undergo further testing by a pediatrician. Parents are oriented about their child¶s condition through the National Institutes of Health (at the Philippine General Hospital). Parents will be notified through mail and through their attending doctors about positive results, and will be required to undergo the orientation and further testing at the NIH.
Is NBS compulsory?
The Department of Health and other health organizations strongly recommend that all babies undergo Newborn Screening. Most tertiary centers are accredited Newborn Screening testing centers. If a baby is delivered at home or in a primary health care setting or lying in, the baby can be brought to the nursery of any accredited center after the 48th hour of life for testing (on out - patient basis).
Sometimes, parents decline for various reasons, such as religious concerns. In these cases, they are asked to
acknowledge in writing that they understand the benefits of NBS and that they know they may be placing their newborn at risk for undiagnosed congenital conditions by declining the test. This dissent form is included in the baby's medical record and is recorded in the National Newborn Screening Database.
Newborn Screening
Print Email PDF
Republic Act 9288
Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health program aimed at the early identification of infants who are affected by certain genetic/metabolic/infectious conditions. Early identification and timely intervention can lead to significant reduction of morbidity, mortality, and associated disabilities in affected infants. NBS in the Philippines started in June 1996 and was integrated into the public health delivery system with the enactment of the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 (Republic Act 9288). From 1996 to December 2010, the program has saved 45 283 patients. Five conditions are currently screened: Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Phenylketonuria, Galactosemia, and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency.
Current Status of NBS Implementation in the Philippines
Newborn Screening Legislation NBS was integrated into the public health delivery system with the enactment of Republic Act 9288 or Newborn Screening Act of 2004 as it institutionalized the ¶National NBS System·, which shall ensure the following: [a] that every baby born in the Philippines is offered NBS; [b] the establishment and integration of a sustainable NBS System within the public health delivery system; [c] that all health practitioners are aware of the benefits of NBS and of their responsibilities in offering it; and [d] that all parents are aware of NBS and their responsibility in protecting their child from any of the disorders. The highlights of the law and its implementing rules and regulations are:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
DOH is the lead agency tasked with implementing this law; Any health practitioner who delivers or assists in the delivery of a newborn in the Philippines shall prior to delivery, inform parents or legal guardians of the newborns the availability, nature and benefits of NBS; Health facilities shall integrate NBS in its delivery of health services; Creation of the Newborn Screening Reference Center at the National Institutes of Health and establishment and accreditation of NSCs equipped with a NBS laboratory and recall/follow up program; Provision of NBS services as a requirement for licensing and accreditation, the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) Inclusion of cost of NBS in insurance benefits
Currently, there are four Newborn Screening Centers (NSCs) in the country: NSC-National Institutes of Health in Manila; NSC- Visayas in Iloilo City; NSC-Mindanao in Davao City; and NSC-Central Luzon in Angeles City. The four NSCs provide laboratory and follow up services for more than 3000+ health facilities.
DOH, its partners and major stakeholders remain aggressive in identifying strategies to intensify awareness in the communities and increase coverage among home deliveries. Among the recent efforts to increase the newborn screening coverage are appointment of full-time Regional NBS Coordinators; opening more G6PD Confirmatory Laboratories; partnership with midwives organizations; and production of information materials targeting different groups of health workers and professionals.
Key Players in the Implementation
Organizational chart for the national implementation of Newborn Screening
Newborn Screening Statistics As of December 2010, there are 2,389,959 babies that have undergone NBS and based on these data, the incidences of the following disorders are: CH (1: 3,324); CAH (1: 9,446); PKU (1: 149,372); Gal (1: 108,635) and G6PD deficiency (1: 52). The program has saved the following numbers of newborns from complications and/or death: 719 from CH, 253 from CAH, 22 from Gal, 16 from PKU and 44 273 from G6PD deficiency.
Coverage As of December 2010, the coverage of NBS is at 35%.
DIRECTORY OF PROGRAM IMPLEMENTERS
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control ²Family Health Office Program Manager Dr. Juanita A. Basilio Dr. Anthony P. Calibo
National Newborn Screening Coordinator: Ms. Lita Orbillo San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila Telephone: (02) 7359956 [email protected]
Newborn Screening Reference Center Director: Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla National Institutes of Health Building H, UP Ayala Land Technohub Complex,Commonwealth Avenue, Brgy. UP Campus Diliman, Quezon City Email: [email protected] www.newbornscreening.ph
Newborn Screening Centers
For Regions I, II, III & CAR Unit Head: Dr. Florencio Dizon Newborn Screening Center ² Central Luzon Angeles City University Foundation Medical Center MacArthur Highway, Barangay Salapungan, Angeles City Telephone: (045) 6246502-03; Email: [email protected]
For Regions IV, V & NCR Newborn Screening Center² National Institutes of Health Unit Head: Ms. Ma. Elouisa Reyes Building H, UP Ayala Land Technohub Complex,Commonwealth Avenue, Brgy. UP Campus Diliman, Quezon City Email: [email protected]
For Visayas Newborn Screening Center² Visayas Unit Head: Dr. J Winston Edgar Posecion West Visayas State University Medical Center E. Lopez St., Jaro, Iloilo City Telefax: (033) 329-3744; Email: [email protected]
For Mindanao Newborn Screening Center² Mindanao Unit Head: Dr. Conchita Abarquez Southern Philippines Medical Center J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City Telephone: (082) 226-4595 / 224-0337 Telefax (082) 227-4152; Email:[email protected]
Centers for Health Development
CHD
Mailing Address
Business Phone
NBS Regional Coordinator
CHD 1 - Ilocos San Fernando, La Union
(072) 2425315; (072) 2424773 (078) 3046585; (078) 8446585; (078) 8446523 (045) 4552324; (045) 9617649; (045) 9617654
Clarita B. Lewis, RN Leticia T. Cabrera, MD, MPA
CHD 2 Cagayan Valley
Tuguegarao City
CHD 3 San Fernando, Pampanga Central Luzon
Adelina Cabrera, RN
CHD 4-A Calabarzon CHD 4-B Mimaropa
QMMC Compound, Project 4, Quezon City
(02) 4403372
Maria Luisa M. Malana, RN
Quirino Hospital Compound, (02) 9134650; (02) Ma. Teresa Quezon City 9115025 Castillo, MD Carla A. Orozco, MD, MPH MS III
CHD 5- Bicol
First Park Subdidivion, Daraga, Albay
(052) 4830840 loc 517/516
CHD 6 Western Visayas CHD 7 Central Visayas CHD 8Eastern Visayas CHD 9 Zamboanga Peninsula CHD 10 Northern Mindanao
Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, Iloilo City
(033)3210364
Renilyn P. Reyes, MD
Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
(032) 4187633
Nayda P. Bautista,MD, MPH
Candahug, Palo , Leyte
(053)3235025
Lilibeth Andrade, MD
Upper Calarian, Zamboanga (062)9830314-15 City
Nerissa B. Gutierrez, RN
J.V. Seriña St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City
088-22- 727400
Ellenietta HMV N. Gamolo, MD, MPH
CHD 11 J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao Davao Region City
(082) 3051907; (082) 2214011
Ma. Clarose M. Mascardo, RN, MPH
CHD 12 Central Mindanao
ARMM Compound, Gov. (064) 4217436; Guttierez Ave, Cotabato City (064) 4218053
Lucy Decio, RN
Pizarro St. cor. Narra Rd. CHD CARAGA Butuan City
(085) 3411452
Glynna B. Andoy, MD, MPH Nicolas R. Gordo, Jr, MD
CHD CAR
BGHMC Compound, Baguio (074) 4428096; City (074) 4445255 Welfareville Compound, Brgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City ORG Compound, Cotabato City
CHD NCR
(02) 7183097; (02) Ma. Paz P. 5354521 Corrales, MD
CHD ARMM
(064) 4217703
Dayan Sangcopan, MD
Reunion of Saved Babies, October 10, 2010 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, Quezon City
Newborn Screening Poster
Continuing Education for Health Professionals, October 4, 2011 in La Union
The Heel Prick Method
NBS Awarding Ceremony October 3, 2011
Traders Hotel
