Trivitron Healthcare

Newborn screening (NBS) involves taking a small sample of blood from the heel of the infant and tests for many different ailments including several inborn errors of metabolism can be conducted. Screening an infant ensures that the baby is free from any disorder, which is non-apparent at birth. It also rules out the possibility of any potential anomaly that might eventually build up to something of grave concern. These disorders could lead to permanent neurological, cognitive, tactile, and physical damage in the child; however, if detected early, the defects can be easily treated. With people becoming more health conscious, newborn screening is gaining more importance and is at the verge of becoming a standard practice. Various developed countries have recognized its vitality and have, therefore, integrated NBS in their public health programs.

The importance of newborn screening
li>Although newborn screening tests babies for conditions that are rare, the tests help detect the conditions early and make treatment easier;
• Newborn screening is most effective in trying to identify children with life-altering and potentially life-threatening conditions;
• Newborn screening can identify these conditions before they become apparent or prove fatal, thereby helping both parents and children live normal lives; and
• Screening also makes sure that babies with critical conditions are quickly identified and treated.

The process of newborn screening
Newborn screening usually begins 48 hours after the baby is born, while he or she is still in the hospital. Anytime later than the specified period presents the risk of delayed treatment for an infant who by chance, might be positive for any disorder. The baby’s heel is pricked and a few drops of blood are extracted. The blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The blood sample is analyzed to detect a number of disorders like congenital hypothyroidism, sickle cell disease, phenylketonuria, fatty acid metabolism disorder, and the like.

Why is newborn screening important for India?
Comparatively, the incidence of inborn errors is a little high in India as we are densely populated. Research indicates that 1 in 2497 babies is born with inborn errors here. These errors, which are not harmful now, have all the potential to cause permanent neurological, cognitive, tactile and physical damage in the child. If such errors are detected in this newborn baby screening, they can be treated easily. Also, statistically, India witnesses the birth of 25 million babies annually, out of which 360,800 infants are detected with metabolic disorders. With newborn screening programs, the morbidity associated with inborn errors of metabolism can be reduced to a great extent.

Trivitron provides a wide range of newborn screening instruments, including modular and fully automated NBS instrumentation, manual and automated equipment, and newborn screening reagent kits. Labsystems Diagnostics (Trivitron’s subsidiary) has been a forerunner in innovative diagnostic research and development for over the last 35+ years and have made NBS technology accessible and affordable to over 2.7 crore babies born in India every year.

The company offers a range of products including NBS kits for the detection of phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and for the confirmation of the proper functioning of various metabolic pathways. Kits are accurate, safe, in line with the international regulatory standards and are easy to use. Trivitron’s NeoMass AAAC kit employs tandem mass spectrometry to detect concentrations of amino acids, free carnitine, acylcarnitines, succinylacetone, and argininosuccinic acid. Additionally, we deal in various instruments that find great use in newborn screening methods. Trivitron is committed to develop high-quality diagnostic solutions for today and tomorrow.