Newborn Lab

Question 1

What does phenylketonuria screen for?

Answer 1

A disorder that causes mental retardation, seizures, light complexion and eczema. If positive, mental retardation can be prevented by a phenylketonuria-free diet. Most hospitals require the screening 24-48 hrs after birth and 8-10 days (to rule-out false negatives)

Question 2

What infants should get a hypoglycemia screen?

Answer 2

Diabetic mother, large/small gestational age, stressed or preterm infants. Levels below 45 should be confirmed with follow-up lab testing

Question 3

What newborns get a thyroid screen?

Answer 3

All newborns!

Question 4

What are the untreated sx of hypothyroidism?

Answer 4

growth retardation, decreased physical activity, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, delayed puberty.

Question 5

A thick tongue in a newborn could be a sign of?

Answer 5

hypothyroidism

Question 6

Galactosemia, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia and phenylketonuria: of these tests which is not required before hospital discharge?

Answer 6

hypoglycemia is only indicated in the presence of risk factors