Heel Blood Screening Test and All Frequently Asked Questions
Heel blood screening is a screening test performed to early diagnose some congenital diseases in babies. This test is usually done right after birth and is performed with a few drops of blood taken from the baby's heel. Thanks to this test, early diagnosis of some congenital diseases may be possible and treatment can be started early. This test is performed routinely in many countries and is an important screening test for the health of babies. It is routinely performed on babies born in all Yücelen Hospitals.
1. Early diagnosis of congenital metabolic diseases: It helps in the early diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases such as phenylketonuria and hypothyroidism.
2. Detection of congenital genetic diseases: It helps in the early diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases such as biotidinase deficiency and cystic fibrosis.
3. Early intervention: Diseases that can be diagnosed early thanks to heel blood screening can be prevented from progressing or symptoms can be alleviated by early intervention.
4. Determination of familial risks: If there is a predisposition to genetic diseases in the family, a heel blood scan can determine whether the baby has these diseases.
Heel blood screening is an important screening test for the health of babies and is often performed routinely. Thanks to this test, babies can be diagnosed at an early stage, necessary treatment can be started and the progression of health problems can be prevented.
Diseases That Can Be Diagnosed with Heel Blood Screening
Heel blood screening is a screening test used for the early diagnosis of congenital diseases in babies. This test is performed for early diagnosis and treatment of some diseases. Here are some diseases that can be detected by heel blood screening:
1. Phenylketonuria (PKU): Phenylketonuria is a disease that occurs due to a disorder of the metabolism of an amino acid called phenylalanine in the body. Mental retardation and other negative effects can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.
2. Congenital Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Growth and development problems can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.
4. Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that occurs as a result of dense and sticky secretions in various glands of the body. With early diagnosis and treatment, the progression of the disease can be controlled.
Early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases is possible with heel blood screening. Thanks to this test, potential health problems in babies can be detected at an early stage, necessary precautions can be taken and the progression of health problems can be prevented.
Why is blood taken from the heel?
It is preferred to collect blood from the heel for heel blood screening because the subcutaneous tissue in the heel is usually thin and blood can be collected by easily puncturing it. Additionally, since babies' heels are generally less sensitive, this procedure may be less uncomfortable for babies. The blood taken for heel blood screening is usually dropped onto a special paper carton and sent to the laboratory for analysis. This test is an important screening test for early diagnosis of congenital genetic diseases in babies, and the presence or risk of these diseases can be determined by analysis of blood taken from the heel prick.
How to Understand Heel Blood Results?
Heel blood screening results are usually analyzed in a laboratory setting and presented in a report. In this report, a specific reference range is usually given for each of the diseases screened for, and the baby's results are compared with these reference ranges. Results are generally evaluated as follows:
1. Normal result: If the baby's test results are within the reference ranges, the result is generally considered normal and it is thought that there is no genetic disease. However, even in this case, follow-up tests may be required in some cases.
2. Positive result: If the test results are outside the reference ranges, this is considered a positive result and it is thought that there may be a risk of genetic disease in the baby. In this case, additional tests may be performed for further testing and diagnosis.
3. Questionable result: In some cases, test results do not fully match the reference ranges and a suspicious result is obtained. In this case, more tests and examinations are usually performed and the necessary steps are taken to clarify the result.
The results of the heel prick screening are evaluated by the healthcare provider and explained to the parents. If the test results are positive or questionable, experts inform the family about the necessary treatment or management plan and recommend that they take the necessary steps. It is important for the health of babies to evaluate the results correctly and start treatment when necessary. You can contact our specialist physicians to get more information about the heel blood screening tests performed routinely in Yücelen Hospitals pediatric outpatient clinics.
Most Asked Questions
Health center heel blood result
Heel prick results taken at health centers are used to screen the baby for various genetic and metabolic diseases. Results are usually available within a few days and notified to the family.
Phenylketonuria heel blood
The heel prick test is used to screen for genetic diseases such as phenylketonuria (PKU). This disease affects the body's ability to process the amino acid phenylalanine and can lead to brain damage if not diagnosed early.
Why is heel blood taken for the second time?
The first test may need to be repeated due to reasons such as insufficient sample collection or laboratory error. Additionally, if results are abnormal, they may be taken a second time for verification purposes.
Why is heel blood taken?
Heel blood is taken for the early diagnosis of various genetic and metabolic diseases in newborn babies. In this way, diseases can be diagnosed at an early stage and treatment can be started.
heel blood truth
The heel prick test provides important information about the health status of babies and helps in the early diagnosis of many serious diseases. Thanks to these tests, life-saving treatments can be started in a timely manner.
Women's Club if babies have high heel blood
If the heel blood test results are high in babies, doctors evaluate the situation by performing further examinations and tests. The negative effects of many diseases can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.
Ministry of Health heel blood inquiry
Heel blood results can be inquired through the online systems of the Ministry of Health. Thanks to this service, families can easily learn their babies' test results.
How many days does it take to get results for 2 heel blood tests?
Heel prick test results are usually available within a few days. However, this time may vary depending on the laboratory density and the complexity of the test.
What to look for with heel blood?
The heel blood test is used to screen for metabolic and genetic diseases such as phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and biotinidase deficiency.
When should 2 heel bloods be taken in a newborn baby?
The first heel prick is usually taken within the first 24-48 hours after the baby is born. The second heel blood is usually taken 7-14 days later.
Can SMA be detected from heel blood?
Some genetic diseases, such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), can also be detected with a heel prick test. However, SMA testing may require a special genetic screening.
What happens if the baby's heel blood is high?
If the baby's heel prick test results are high, this indicates that the baby may have a certain disease and further testing will be done. In this way, the disease can be diagnosed at an early stage and treatment can be started.
Is Heel Blood Necessary?
Yes, heel blood testing is mandatory. In Turkey and many countries, heel blood testing is mandatory to screen newborn babies for various genetic and metabolic diseases. This test is taken within the first few days of the baby's life, allowing early diagnosis and treatment.
How Many Times Is Heel Blood Taken?
It is usually taken twice. The first heel blood sample is taken within the first 24-48 hours after the baby's birth. The second sample is usually taken 7-14 days later. This second test is done to confirm the first test and confirm any abnormal results.
Heel Blood Reviews Women's Club?
Comments on Heel Blood at the Women's Club:
Many mothers and fathers share their experiences with the heel blood test in forums such as the Women's Club.
Often mothers exchange information about how the test was done, how their babies responded, and how the results were evaluated.
Some comments state that there is concern if the initial test results are high and doctors recommend further tests.
The forums also emphasize how important the test is for early diagnosis and treatment, and therefore every parent should take this test seriously.
On platforms like the Women's Club, mothers support each other and help other parents by sharing their knowledge and experiences about the testing process.
Is Heel Blood Necessary?
How Many Times Is Heel Blood Taken? Heel Blood Reviews Women's Club?
Note: We offer accommodation in our Akyaka Yücelen Hotel for our patients coming from all surrounding provinces such as Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Denizli, Aydın and Antalya, before and after the treatment service in our hospitals. Turkey, UK England, Deutschland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Dubai, Austria