The Neonatal Metabolic, Genetic & Hematology laboratory is equipped with the latest robust technology tandem mass spectrometer with reliable specific
software and proven reagents for analysis of metabolites for the expanded MSMS screening. The laboratory is fitted with systems for proven immunoassay chemistries and for clinical assays based on fluorescence to measure neonatal analytes such as total galactose. The Preferred Platform based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for Newborn Hemoglobin Screening identifies the most common hemoglobin variants such as Hemoglobins S, F, A, C, D and E. The fully automated laboratory operation for reagent handling, sample processing and reporting saves time and minimizes errors.
software and proven reagents for analysis of metabolites for the expanded MSMS screening. The laboratory is fitted with systems for proven immunoassay chemistries and for clinical assays based on fluorescence to measure neonatal analytes such as total galactose. The Preferred Platform based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for Newborn Hemoglobin Screening identifies the most common hemoglobin variants such as Hemoglobins S, F, A, C, D and E. The fully automated laboratory operation for reagent handling, sample processing and reporting saves time and minimizes errors. 
The laboratory is under the direct supervision of a chemical pathologist and hematologist who provide recommendations for each test report generated. We are enrolled with the Center for Disease Control for the Neonatal Screening Quality Assurance program.
Synapse Neonatal Panels CHECK ONE / TWO in combination with our EXTENDED SCREEN provide a comprehensive report for metabolic, endocrine and hematologic investigations. Metabolic screening can be used Neonatal Screening as well as for investigation of Inborn Errors of metabolism in children with symptoms.
Synapse – A Complete solution for newborn screening for Inborn Errors of metabolism (IEM’s) and Genetic Disorders.
FAQ
- What is Newborn Screening?
Newborn screening is the process of testing newborn babies for treatable genetic, endocrinologic, metabolic and hematologic diseases. The earliest screening for neonatal disorders was done in the late 1960s using blood samples on filter paper obtained by pricking a newborn baby's heel on the second day of life to get a few drops of blood. The development of tandem mass spectrometry has led to a large expansion of potentially detectable congenital metabolic diseases that affect blood levels of organic acids. Newborn screening has been adopted by most countries around the world, though the lists of screened diseases vary widely.
- Why Neonatal Screening?
1. A disease that can be missed clinically at birth, as the baby may show no signs or symptoms.
2. A delay in diagnosis will induce irreversible damages to the baby
3. A treatment or intervention that makes a difference if the disease is detected early
4. A simple and reliable screening test exists that can detect a range of such disorders
NNS (Neonatal Screening / Newborn Screening) is One Simple Test that can detect conditions that could be harmful to your child even when your baby may appear normal and display no symptoms.
- How will my baby be tested?
When your baby is 48-72 hours old, a few drops of blood will be taken from your baby,s heel and placed on a special filter paper. This is safe and easy to do. The specimen is sent to the newborn screening laboratory at Synapse Sdn Bhd.
- What will my baby be tested for?
Your baby will be tested for a panel of disorders that include genetic, hormonal, metabolic and blood related disorders. Some of these tests look at
1. How the body breaks down the proteins (such as Phenylketonuria - PKU) or fat
2. Causes of blood problems (such as Thallasemia)
3. How the body breaks down lactose (Galactosemia)
- But We Have No Family History Of These Disorders . . . ?
Parents who have no family history of problems and/or who have already had healthy children can still have children with these disorders. In fact, most children with these disorders come from families with no previous history of the condition.
- But My Baby Looks Healthy . . .
Most babies with disorders look and act normal and seem perfectly healthy. The newborn screening test helps your doctor catch a problem with your babybefore it makes him or her sick. Most babies that are diagnosed and treated early do well. The earlier the disorder is detected, the higher the chance of having a good prognosis.
- What Is A Retest?
If the result of your child's test is abnormal, a repeat test or a "retest" is usually required. A request for a retest does not necessarily mean your child has a disorder, but it is possible. If you are asked for a retest, it is important that you take your baby for the retest as soon as possible.
- How Will I Know the Results of My Baby's Test?
If your child's test shows an abnormal result, you will be notified immediately and given directions about what to do next. Follow the directions of your doctor very carefully. If your child's test is abnormal, additional tests are usually necessary to verify if your child has the disorder. It is important that you advise your doctor if you move or change phone numbers soon after your baby is born in case there is a problem with your baby's test. If the results of your baby's test are normal, they will be mailed to your physician approximately 10 days after the test was performed.
