Newborn genetic screening package
Screen your baby for more than 815 inherited genetic and metabolic conditions, helping identify risks early and guide timely care.
About the package
Newborn health is one of the most critical foundations for lifelong well-being. With advances in genetic medicine, we are now able to detect certain rare but actionable conditions early in life, often before symptoms appear.
Newborn genetic screening provides valuable biological insights that enable early diagnosis and timely intervention. This proactive approach allows healthcare providers and families to take informed steps that can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Package inclusions
- Sample collection shortly after birth (via cord blood)
- Comprehensive genetic screening panel
- Specialist review and interpretation of results
- Follow-up consultation to discuss findings and next steps
- Referral and care pathway planning if required
What is newborn genetic screening?
Newborn Genetic Screening is a proactive test that compliments biochemical newborn screening. It's a proactive test performed shortly after birth, using cord blood to identify infants' risk of developing certain inherited genetic and metabolic disorders.
These conditions may not be visible at birth, but they can lead to serious health issues if not treated early. The screening analyses specific genetic markers associated with a range of conditions, enabling early medical intervention and management.
Why choose our newborn genetic screening package?
Choosing Mediclinic Middle East's newborn genetic screening package ensures early identification of potential genetic conditions, allowing for prompt clinical intervention and personalised care planning. Rather than waiting for symptoms to develop, this screening equips clinicians and parents with critical information from the very beginning of life.
By enabling early detection, the package helps prevent complications, supports optimal development, and provides peace of mind to families, backed by our expert clinical guidance and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Finding out your baby's results
The comprehensive genetic testing can take up to four weeks to be reported. Once your baby's genetic report is available, you will be contacted by the physician from the hospital where your baby was born to discuss the results and any questions you may have in a follow-up appointment.
How does this differ from other genetic tests?
Different screening tests look for different types of conditions at different stages. Here's how newborn genetic screening compares with NIPT and biochemical newborn screening.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
- Performed during pregnancy
- Screens only for chromosomal abnormalities focusing on a limited number of conditions (e.g. Down syndrome)
- Uses a maternal blood sample
Biochemical newborn screening
- Standardised testing to exclude multiple metabolic and endocrine disorders. Essential for early detection and rapid intervention.
- It is usually performed through a heel-prick testing within first few days of life.
What screening involves
The screening
- Planned before birth but performed after birth
- Screens for a broader range of genetic and metabolic disorders (more than 815 genetic conditions)
- Does not replace biochemical newborn screening
- Uses a direct sample from the baby (i.e. cord blood)
- Focuses on early detection of actionable conditions
Common conditions
- Metabolic disorders (e.g. phenylketonuria (PKU))
- Inborn errors of immunology (e.g. SCID)
- Haemoglobin disorders (e.g. Sickle cell disease)
- Inherited heart rhythm disorders (e.g. long QT)
- Inherited genetic disorders affecting development and organ function
- Other rare but actionable genetic conditions
How it's done
- Antenatal consultation for explanation of testing and consent
- A cord blood sample is taken shortly after birth
- The sample is sent to the laboratory for testing
- Parents are counselled based on their baby's genetic report
Meet our genetic specialists
Browse Mediclinic Middle East's paediatric and genetics specialists, with expertise in newborn genetic screening and early diagnosis.
Genetics at Mediclinic Middle East
Explore specialist care for newborn health, including genetic screening, early diagnosis, and follow-up care.
Explore our packages
Looking for packages for your team?
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How to book this newborn genetic screening package
You can fill in our contact form, call us on 800 2033, or book online or through the Mediclinic App, available on the App Store and on Google Play.
Terms and conditions
- The package is not covered by insurance and requires self-funding
- Optional services are ordered only if required by the doctor