Let’s review to see how we are doing.
Which is true about the Early Check screening test?
a. Early Check uses the leftover blood sample from standard newborn screening to do genetic, or DNA, sequencing.
b. It may not find every single baby with the health conditions.
c. It will check for every kind of health condition in newborns.
d. If the screening result is not normal, the baby definitely has the health condition.
Item a. is true.
A blood sample is taken from all babies using a heel prick for standard newborn screening. Early Check uses that same blood sample to screen for health conditions in the screening groups chosen by parents. Early Check partners use a highly accurate test called DNA sequencing. This is spelling out and reading the baby’s genetic information (DNA).
Item b. is true.
Screening tests are not perfect and may miss a small number of babies with the health conditions.
Item c. is false.
Early Check screening will only check for health conditions in the groups chosen by parents.
Item d. is false.
The screening tests are not perfect. for babies with a first result that is not normal, we will use additional testing to confirm the result or to look for early signs of the condition.
Which statements are true about the Early Check screening groups?
a. Early treatment can prevent or reduce the most serious symptoms of health conditions in the Treatable Conditions group.
b. Babies identified with one of the Conditions with Potential Treatments Group may be able to get care early or join a research study. But they may still experience the most serious symptoms of the condition.
c. Screening for Risk of Type 1 diabetes Group can tell parents if their baby has a higher risk for type 1 diabetes so that parents and doctors can watch for signs and start treatment early if needed.
d. All of the above are true.
Item a. is true.
Health conditions in the Treatable Conditions group include rare genetic conditions that have treatments already. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent or improve the most serious symptoms of the health condition and may even save a baby’s life.
Item b. is true.
These conditions usually cause babies or children to have serious symptoms that may not be prevented with existing treatments. For some conditions, research studies are happening now.
Item c. is true.
Parents who choose this screening group will learn if their baby is at a higher risk to have type 1 diabetes later. Watching for signs can help a child get diagnosed and treated early.
Which of the statements about Early Check are false?
a. Early Check is the same as the standard newborn screening that babies have shortly after birth.
b. It is up to parents to decide whether to sign up their baby for Early Check.
c. For babies with the health conditions, no one can predict exactly when their symptoms will start and how severe the symptoms will be.
d. All of the above are false.
Item a. is false.
Early Check is not the same as newborn screening. Early Check is a research study for babies born in North Carolina. To take part, parents need to review the information on this site and complete the form at the end to give their permission. Standard newborn screening is a public health program and does not require a parent’s permission.
Item b. is true.
Parents decide whether to sign up their baby for Early Check.
Item c is true.
Some babies may have only mild signs of the condition. Some will have symptoms until later on or may never have signs of the condition.
