Stating that heel blood is a vital test in babies, Pediatrician Dr. Nazlı Karakullukçu Çebi said, “When a disease is suspected in the blood sample, the family is called to the hospital to repeat the test or for further tests. As a result of the additional tests performed here, the diagnosis of the child is finalized and the necessary treatment is started. In our country, 5 percent of metabolic and genetic diseases can be detected with this method. You can save a life with a drop of blood.”
Liv Hospital Samsun Pediatrics Specialist. Dr. Nazlı Karakullukçu Çebi gave information about “heel blood collection in newborns”.
“The first heel prick blood should be taken in the hospital”
Stating that heel blood collection is a vital test for babies, Uzm. Dr. Çebi said, “The most well-known of the tests performed in the newborn period is heel prick screening. It is carried out by our Ministry of Health to ensure that our babies live a completely healthy life by starting treatment early with early diagnosis. The first blood sample for heel prick screening should be taken at the hospital within the first two days after birth.”
“Negative result means there is no disease”
Speaking about the purpose of heel prick blood collection, Specialist. Dr. Çebi said, “The second blood for heel blood screening should be taken at the family medicine within the first week after birth and sent to the necessary center. The purpose of heel blood screening is to protect public health with early treatment of the screened diseases. A negative result means there is no disease and is considered normal. Patients with positive results should have the test confirmed with new methods. It is appropriate to perform the tests in the first 4 weeks after birth.”
“If there is a suspicion of disease in the blood sample, it is repeated”
Stating that if the result of the blood sample taken from the baby is not a problem, no additional information will be sent to the family, Specialist. Dr. Çebi said, “So if you are not called for the result, things are fine. If there is a suspicion of a disease in the blood sample, the family will be called to the hospital for a repeat test or further tests. This should not worry you, it is only for confirmation and to prevent a possible mistake. After additional tests, the child's diagnosis is confirmed and the necessary treatment is started. In our country, 5% of metabolic and genetic diseases can be detected with this method. You can be the savior of a life with a drop of blood.”
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