Illinois health officials stress importance of newborn screening for early detection

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — State health officials are urging parents to take advantage of newborn screening, a process designed to identify serious medical conditions shortly after birth.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said the screening involves three components: a heel-prick blood test, a hearing exam and a heart screening using pulse oximetry.

Testing usually begins when a baby is about 24 hours old. A small blood sample is collected at the hospital and sent to an IDPH lab for evaluation.

Laboratory testing screens for more than 60 conditions, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and phenylketonuria, or PKU.

Results are typically sent back to the hospital or clinic within five to 12 days, where a physician can review them with parents.

Officials said identifying conditions early allows for prompt treatment, which can reduce the risk of long-term health issues.

IDPH said newborn screening is a critical step in helping ensure babies get a healthy start.