Name of the Procedure:

HCPCS S3620 – Newborn Metabolic Screening Panel

Common Names

• Newborn Screening Test
• PKU Test
• Heel Stick Test

Medical Terms

• Metabolic Screening Panel
• Neonatal Bloodspot Screening

Summary

The Newborn Metabolic Screening Panel is a crucial test performed on newborns to detect certain serious medical conditions early on. A small blood sample is taken from the baby’s heel, and it is analyzed to detect metabolic disorders, genetic conditions, and other serious illnesses. This panel includes the test kit, postage, and the laboratory tests specified by the state for inclusion in this panel.

Purpose

The primary aim of the Newborn Metabolic Screening Panel is to identify metabolic, genetic, and endocrine disorders that can affect a baby’s long-term health or survival. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatments that can prevent complications such as developmental delays, growth problems, and severe illness.

Indications

Specific Conditions Screened

• Galactosemia (galactose)
• Sickle Cell Disease (hemoglobin electrophoresis)
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (hydroxyprogesterone, 17-d)
• Phenylketonuria (phenylalanine, PKU)

• Congenital Hypothyroidism (thyroxine, total)

  Patient Criteria

• All newborns, typically within the first 24-48 hours after birth, and often a second test at about 2 weeks old.

Preparation

• No significant preparation needed.
• Ensure the baby is calm, as crying can increase blood flow, facilitating sample collection.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare professional cleans the baby’s heel with alcohol.
2. A small, sterile lancet is used to make a puncture in the heel.
3. Blood droplets are collected on a special filter paper.
4. The blood-soaked filter paper is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Tools and Equipment

• Alcohol wipes
• Sterile lancet
• Filter paper collection kit
• Laboratory analysis equipment

Anesthesia or Sedation

• None required; procedure typically causes minimal discomfort.

Duration

• The procedure itself takes about 5-10 minutes.

Setting

• Performed in the hospital, birthing center, or occasionally in an outpatient clinic setting after discharge.

Personnel

• Typically performed by a nurse, midwife, or trained healthcare technician.

Risks and Complications

Common

• Minor discomfort or brief crying

Rare

• Infection at the puncture site
• Insufficient blood sample requiring repeat testing

Benefits

• Early diagnosis of serious conditions can lead to early intervention.
• Prevents potential complications, improving long-term health outcomes.

Recovery

• Immediate comfort measures, such as holding and soothing the baby, may be employed.
• No significant recovery time required; the baby can return to normal activities immediately.

Alternatives

• There are no direct alternatives to the Newborn Metabolic Screening Panel, as it is a standard of care mandated by state health departments.
• However, some parents may choose additional private genetic testing.

Patient Experience

• The baby may feel a quick, sharp pain similar to a pinprick.
• The discomfort is generally very brief, and any distress can usually be soothed within minutes.
• Post-procedure, babies tend to return to their typical behavior quickly.

Pain management includes promptly comforting the baby, and the procedure is designed to be as quick and minimally invasive as possible.