AÇSAP, which aims to prevent any possible health problems by treating babies early on, conducted newborn screening tests in 2011 on 1.3 million babies to look for early signs that can lead to severe illness and even death despite a baby appearing healthy at birth.
According to figures from AÇSAP, Phenylketonuria (an inherited metabolic disorder) was detected in 190 babies; 200 babies were found to have Biotinidase deficiency (a metabolic disorder); congenital hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) was discovered in 2,500 infants; and 700 newborn babies had hearing problems among the 1.3 million babies tested. By treating these disorders in newborns, the AÇSAP has prevented the development of many other ailments that could emerge in the future such as a delay in neurological and intellectual development, Mulibrey nanism (pericardial constriction and growth failure), losing the ability to speak and learning disabilities thanks to early diagnosis.
AÇSAP conducted screening of 98 percent of babies who were born in 2011. To conduct the test, a blood sample from a baby's heel is collected on specially designed filter paper between the first 48 and 72 hours after birth, which is then examined in a laboratory.
According to a statement from AÇSAP, if these tests are not conducted shortly after birth, disorders cannot be detected early and when they are detected later, it can be too late for treatment. However, if detected soon enough, babies born with disorders can be sucessfully treated.
