Abstract
National universal neonatal hemoglobinopathy screening has been recommended by a consensus conference panel hosted by the National Institutes of Health. Children born with sickle cell disease suffer a disproportionate degree of morbidity and mortality in comparison to unaffected children. Antibiotic prophylaxis and prompt treatment of symptoms are highly effective in decreasing morbidity and mortality but require neonatal detection of the disease. Cellulose acetate/acid citrate agar electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing is most commonly used to test either cord blood samples or dried bloodspots on filter paper. Hemoglobinopathy screening can be incorporated into state-run neonatal screening programs for inborn errors of metabolism. The logistics of testing all neonates and providing counseling and education to parents of neonates identified with disease pose significant challenges. This issue provides laboratorians an opportunity to integrate their efforts with those of other health care professionals to provide optimal patient care.
Published Version
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