Newborn Screen, Dried Blood Spot (DBS)

NBS Profile

72 hours

LC/MS-MS (11 amino acids, 30 acylcarnitines, free carnitine and succinylacetone) Fluoresence Immunoassay (TSH, 17-OHP, IRT, GALT, Biotinidase, G6PD) HPLC (HbF, HbA, HbC, HbD, HbS and other variants)

For NBS enquiries, please email: newbornscreening@nrl.ae.

Accredited NRL Laboratory

Daily

Newborn screening (NBS) analyses samples collected in the first 24-48 hours of life, and uses multiple methodologies to identify treatable metabolic, endocrine and hematological disorders before symptoms manifest.

Specimens should be ideally collected between 24-48 hours after birth. For sick, low birth weight or premature babies (<34 weeks getation and/or <2000 g), serial screening including the initial sample collected at 24-48 hour is recommended and an additional sample collected at discharge or at day 28 of life, whichever comes first.
If pretransfusion sample collection is not possible, repeat the screening for GALT and hemoglobin disorders 4 months after the final transfusion.

Correct dried blood spot (DBS) collection is essential for accurate results and timely intervention.

Dried Blood Spot (NBS)

5 full circles of blood (to allow for repeat analysis if required) - Ideal. 3 full circles of blood - Acceptable

903 filter Paper (preferred) 226 filter paper (acceptable) Do not use EDTA-containing tubes, capillary tubes or other devices to collect samples.

Follow standard Heelprick/DBS card collection protocols. Avoid layering (repeated touching of the heel) and provide at least 3 full circles of free-flowing blood, soaked through to both sides of the card. Blood must be collected on 903 filter Paper (prefe

The bloodFor NBS enquiries, please email: newbornscreening@nrl.ae
should be collected on 903 filter Paper (preferred), or 226 filter paper (acceptable) and allowed to dry at room temperature for four hours. Keep the paper card horizontal (on flat surface) during drying.