Which condition is specifically screened for by newborn heel-prick metabolic screening?

Which condition is specifically screened for by newborn heel-prick metabolic screening?

• A. Hearing screen
• B. PKU
• C. CCHD screening
• D. Vision screening

Answer: (B)

Newborn heel-prick metabolic screening is a blood test that looks for treatable metabolic and genetic disorders by analyzing a dried blood sample. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a classic example of a condition specifically screened for in this panel because early detection allows dietary management to prevent severe neurodevelopmental problems. The other options are screened using different methods: hearing tests assess auditory function, CCHD screening uses pulse oximetry for heart defects, and vision screening checks visual development—none of which are part of the metabolic screen from the heel-prick blood sample.

Newborn heel-prick metabolic screening is a blood test that looks for treatable metabolic and genetic disorders by analyzing a dried blood sample. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a classic example of a condition specifically screened for in this panel because early detection allows dietary management to prevent severe neurodevelopmental problems. The other options are screened using different methods: hearing tests assess auditory function, CCHD screening uses pulse oximetry for heart defects, and vision screening checks visual development—none of which are part of the metabolic screen from the heel-prick blood sample.