DNA tests help in detecting underlying condition in a newborn accurately without waiting for symptoms to manifest at a later stage. more-in A new screening test for newborns has been launched in Hyderabad’s private hospitals to detect over 50 medical conditions with the help of integrated DNA testing. Launched by LifeCell International, the company that set up stem cell bank and mother and baby diagnostics, the new technique called ‘RightStart’ has been introduced on a pilot basis in government hospitals in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa for screening of newborns to detect issues of metabolism through a blood test. Explaining the screening test, Rajesh Khanna P. and Rahul Mansing Kadam, paediatrics consultants at local private hospitals, said a few drops of blood were obtained from the baby’s heel usually 48 hours after the birth. “The blood sample is analysed by profiling a specific set of metabolites present in the blood. If any abnormal profile is found, further testing is recommended for confirmation using the preserved blood sample,” they told The Hindu. For timely intervention The DNA tests would help detect underlying condition in a newborn accurately without waiting for symptoms to manifest at a later stage, for timely and immediate intervention. For instance, conditions like congenital hyperthyroidism, which can affect the development of brain, hormonal, enzymes and aminoacid deficiencies, and blood disorders like Thalassemia could be detected through the DNA test, they explained. The integrated DNA testing is made mandatory in over 60 countries, including the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Singapore, to reduce morbidity. Mayur Abhaya, managing director, LifeCell International, said they set up a world-class laboratory, equipment and testing programmes in Chennai where samples collected in the private hospitals were sent for evaluation and screening for rare disorders. While the initial fee for DNA-based screening is ?1,500, in case of positive test, the confirmation test would be done later by charging ?5,000, which would identify over 50 conditions. In India at present, the emphasis is on immunisation and hearing screening for the newborns. “But if DNA tests are also included under insurance coverage, then it can also become mandatory to identify genetic disorders at the earliest,” the doctors said.

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