|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
Newborn Screening For Genetic/Metabolic Disorders
Tennessee law requires a blood sample be obtained for each infant born in the state before discharge from the hospital and tested for specific genetic disorders. A parent may refuse testing due to religious beliefs. However, some genetic disorders can cause mental retardation or death if not treated quickly. The Tennessee Department of Health screens for more than 30 diseases which may reflect as many as 50 different genetic disorders. The test methods used are not suitable for infants over 6 months of age. Some of these disorders include:
Follow-up of abnormal or unsatisfactory specimens is critical, and further testing is required. The state lab informs the parent/legal guardian and provider by letter of need for confirmatory testing, follow-up, and treatment. The appropriate endocrinologist, genetic or sickle center is also notified. The state lab or genetics center will notify the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department when a repeat test has not been completed. The staff of the Case Management Services Department then attempts to contact the parent/legal guardian by phone or home visit. Parents are instructed in the importance of retesting and urged to follow-up with doctor appointments for additional lab tests and evaluation. They are also given educational materials on newborn genetic/metabolic disorders. For more information, please call (423)209-8080 or visit http://www2.state.tn.us/health/womenshealth/NBS/Parents.htm
|
|||
