Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

We will try to provide answers to commonly asked questions here.

FAQ's

What Newborn Screening (NBS)?
NBS is a tool that identifies IEMs, hemoglobinopathies and other disorders at birth before symptoms appear. The advantage of early identification of a disorder is that treatment can be started before the baby is harmed, leading to a normal healthy life.

If my pregnancy tests and anomaly scan were normal, does my baby still need Newborn Screening?
Yes. Pregnancy screening tests and ultrasound scans look for structural abnormalities and chromosomal conditions before birth. Newborn Screening detects a different group of genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and blood disorders that usually cannot be identified on routine antenatal scans. A baby can have completely normal pregnancy reports and still have a condition detectable only through Newborn Screening.
This is an extremely common misconception among expecting parents.

Can Newborn Screening prevent intellectual disability?
Many of the conditions included in Newborn Screening can cause irreversible brain damage if left untreated. When identified early, timely treatment can allow affected babies to grow and develop normally, preventing lifelong disability in many cases.

When will the report be ready?
It takes 24-48 hours to process the report after it reaches the NBS Central Lab in Bengaluru

Its been more than 2 days since I have dispatched the sample. When will I get the report?
It takes 1-3 days for the sample to reach the lab. Depending on the chosen shipping partner ie India Post, BlueDart, DTDC, etc. If the sample is sent to NeoGen Labs, Bengaluru then the report should be ready as per abovementioned Turn around Time (TAT). If it has been dispatched to HNW, Mumbai or some other location then it takes 1-2 additional days for the sample to reach NeoGen Labs, Bengaluru

Do you have online tracking available?
Yes. Sample process status can be tracked on https://www.hnw.in/2021/status.php

How will I get the reports?
Reports are sent to the email id mentioned on the Test Requisition Form (TRF) and also via WhatsApp on the number mentioned on the TRF

From which number will I receive WhatsApp reports
All WhatsApp communication happens from HEALTH N WELLNESS:  +919082368068

How do I raise any query regarding Report or Billing?
Just drop us a message on WhatsApp on +919321432584. Kindly mention the Sample Number/TRF Number/Filterpaper Number. That is the only way we can track.

Will I get Hardcopy of the Report/Receipt?
We send all Reports & Receipts by Email & WhatsApp only. If there is a specific requirement for physical copy let us know. In our experience print out of Report & Receipt is acceptable for Insurance and reimbursements.

Does my baby need Newborn Screening if there is no family history?
Yes. Over 95% of babies diagnosed with a screened disorder have no previous family history. Most affected babies are born to healthy parents who are unaware that they carry a genetic condition.

My baby looks perfectly healthy. Is the test still necessary?
Many genetic and metabolic disorders do not show symptoms at birth. By the time symptoms appear, irreversible brain damage or serious illness may already have occurred. Newborn Screening detects these conditions before symptoms develop.

Is the heel prick painful?
The heel prick causes only brief discomfort lasting a few seconds. The amount of blood collected is very small and the procedure is considered safe worldwide. See the video to know how collection is done.

Can we use cord blood?
No.
The sample is collected from the baby's heel after birth. There are no acceptable international standards to use cord blood for newborn screening.

How much blood is required?
Only a few drops (approximately 3–5 drops) are needed.

Is Newborn Screening mandatory in India?
Unlike several developed countries, Newborn Screening is not yet mandatory across India. However, National Rare disease Policy (NRDP), Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), National Neonatal Forum of India (NNF) and Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology Soceity of India (FOGSI), and many Doctors and hospitals recommend it because early diagnosis can prevent lifelong disability.

What if my baby's result is abnormal?
An abnormal screening result does not mean your baby definitely has the disease. It simply means further testing is needed.

What if my baby's report is normal?
A normal report is reassuring and means your baby is at very low risk for the disorders included in the screening panel. However, no screening test can detect every possible disease or guarantee perfect health.

Can premature or NICU babies be screened?
Yes. In fact, premature and sick newborns may benefit even more from screening. Depending on the baby's condition, the doctor may recommend a repeat sample later.

Is fasting required?
No.
Your baby can be breastfed or formula-fed normally before and after the test.

What happens if I miss the ideal testing window?
The ideal time is 24–72 hours after birth, but testing can still be performed later. However, some disorders may become symptomatic early, so testing should not be unnecessarily delayed.

Is Newborn Screening covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider. Please check with your insurer.

Can twins be screened?
Yes.
Each baby is screened separately and receives an individual report.

Can my baby have a serious genetic disorder even if nobody in our family has it?
Yes. Most babies diagnosed through Newborn Screening are born into families with no known history of these conditions. Parents are often healthy carriers and have no reason to suspect their baby may be affected. This is why every newborn, not just high-risk babies, should be screened.