Criterios de extracción de muestra en situaciones especiales del cribado neonatal. Revisión

The most significant breakthrough in the newborn screening (NBS) programs was the introduction of the tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) to the laboratory, which makes it possible to detect multiple disorders. However, it is difficult to choose the ideal time for the specimen collection, particularly in preterm, low birth weight, and sick newborns.

The aim of this study was to revise the protocols, in national and international programs for specimen collection in these newborns.

Data were collected from web pages of public health, internet searches, and contact with the laboratories.

The results showed a great disparity in criteria for a new specimen collection, as well as among different centres within a country. It has been difficult to obtain this information from many countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Although an increasing number of laboratories follow the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute or other international guidelines, the increased cost involved makes standardisation difficult.