care professionals.
Newborn screening is a crucial step in safeguarding the health and well-being of infants, as it enables healthcare providers to identify conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and congenital hearing loss in their earliest stages. Detecting these conditions promptly allows for timely intervention and treatment, optimizing the chances of positive outcomes for infants. Moreover, these screening tests are both rapid and safe, making them an essential component of newborn healthcare.
If you’re a new or expecting parent, it is vital to familiarize yourself with newborn screening and the provincial programs available in Alberta. AHS ensures that you are provided with options for screening either during your hospital stay before discharge or through community-based screening services.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
AHS’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program is designed to identify permanent hearing loss in infants as early as possible. Early detection of hearing loss offers babies the best chance to develop essential language and learning skills while mitigating potential developmental delays. It is recommended that babies undergo screening for permanent hearing loss within their first month of life. For more information, please visit ahs.ca/ehdi.
Alberta Newborn Screening Program (ANSP)
The Alberta Newborn Screening Program (ANSP) utilizes blood spot screening to identify certain serious conditions shortly after birth, which may not be visible through visual examination alone. Detecting these conditions early ensures that treatment can commence promptly, potentially preventing irreversible health problems and even saving a baby’s life. It is advised that newborn blood spot screening be conducted between 24 and 72 hours after birth. For more details, please visit ahs.ca/ansp.
In conclusion, Alberta Health Services recognizes the critical role that newborn screening plays in the well-being of infants and is committed to providing these essential services free of charge to Alberta’s families. By participating in these screening programs, new and expectant parents can ensure that their newborns receive the best possible start in life, with early detection and intervention paving the way for healthier futures.
