“Republic Act No.

9288
otherwise known as
“Newborn Screening
Act of 2004”, an act
promulgating a
comprehensive policy
and a national system
for ensuring newborn
screening”
What is newborn screening?
>Newborn Screening (NBS) is a simple procedure to find
out if your baby has a congenital metabolic disorder that
may lead to mental retardation or even death if left
untreated.

Why is it important to have newborn screening?

>Most babies with metabolic disorders look "normal" at
birth. By doing NBS, metabolic disorders may be detected
even before clinical signs and symptoms are present. And
as a result of this, treatment can be given early to prevent
consequences of untreated conditions.

When is newborn screening done?

Newborn screening is ideally done immediately after 24
hours from birth.
How is newborn screening done?
>A few drops of blood are taken from the baby's heel,
blotted on a special absorbent filter card and then sent to
Newborn Screening Center (NSC).

Who will collect the sample for newborn

screening
>The blood sample for NBS may be collected by
any of the following: physician, nurse, medical
technologist or trained midwife.
Newborn Screening Centers

The RA 9288 defines the establishment and accreditation of Newborn

Screening Centers (NSC).
Newborn Screening Center is a facility equipped with a newborn
laboratory that complies with the standards established by the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) Philippines, and provides all required
laboratory tests and recall/follow-up programs for newborns with
heritable conditions.
Presently, there are six operational NSCs in the country:

1. Newborn Screening Center - NIH at the University of the Philippines

Manila
2. Newborn Screening Center - Visayas located at West Visayas State
University Medical Center, Iloilo City
3. Newborn Screening Center - Mindanao located at the Southern
Philippines Medical Center, Davao City
4. Newborn Screening Center - Central Luzon in Angeles City, Pampanga
5. Newborn Screening Center - Southern Luzon in Tanauan City, Batangas
6. Newborn Screening Center - Northern Luzon in Batac City, Ilocos Norte
NEWBORN SCREENING CENTERS
NEWBORN SCREENING PANEL OF DISORDERS (ROUTINE)

What are the disorders tested for newborn screening?

The disorders tested for newborn screening are:
(1) Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH)
(2) Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
(3) Galactosemia (GAL)
(4) Phenylketonuria (PKU)
(5) Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase Deficiency
(G6PD Def.)
(6) Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
NBS Panel of Disorders :
Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH)
>CH results from lack or absence of thyroid hormone which is
essential for the physical and mental development of a child. If the
disorder is not detected and hormone replacement is not initiated
within two (2) weeks, the baby with CH may suffer from growth and
mental retardation.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

>CAH is an endocrine disorder that causes severe salt loss,
dehydration and abnormally high levels of male sex hormones in
both boys and girls. If not detected and treated early, babies with
CAH may die within 7-14 days.

Galactosemia (GAL)
>GAL is a condition in which babies are unable to process
galactose, the sugar present in milk. Accumulation of excessive
galactose in the body can cause many problems, including liver
damage, brain damage and cataracts.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
>PKU is a rare condition in which the baby cannot properly use
one of the building blocks of protein called phenylalanine.
Excessive accumulation of phenylalanine in the blood causes
brain damage.

Glucose-6Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD def)

>G6PD deficiency is a condition where the body lacks the
enzyme called G6PD. Babies with this deficiency may have
hemolytic anemia resulting from exposure to oxidative
substances found in drugs, foods and chemicals.

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)

>MSUD is a genetic metabolic disorder resulting from the
defective activity of the enzyme branched chain alpha-keto-
acid dehydrogenase complex. Accumulation of the branched
chain amino acids are toxic to the brain.
What is expanded newborn screening?
>The expanded newborn screening program will increase the
screening panel of disorders from six (6) to twenty-eight (28). This
will provide opportunities to significantly improve the quality of life
of affected newborns through facilitating early diagnosis and early
treatment.
What is the difference between newborn screening and expanded
newborn screening?
>The difference is the number of disorders each of them can detect.
Both tests are performed by collecting a few drops of blood through
the heel-prick method but the laboratory testing methods applied are
different.
What are the additional disorders tested by expanded newborn
screening?
>Aside from the six conditions in the present panel -- Congenital
Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Galactosemia,
Phenylketonuria, Maple Syrup Urine Disease and Glucose-6-
Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency -- expanded newborn
screening will screen for additional disorders falling under various
groups of conditions namely: hemoglobinopathies, disorders of
amino acid and organic acid metabolism, disorders of fatty acid
oxidation, disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, disorders of biotin
metabolism and cystic fibrosis.
How much is the fee for newborn screening?
>Expanded newborn screening will be offered to you as an
option in all newborn screening facilities. The first option is
screening for the six disorders at ₱550, which is included in
the newborn care package for PhilHealth members and the
second option is screening for the full complement of 28
disorders at ₱1500.

Is expanded screening covered by PhilHealth?

>Currently, only P550 is covered by PhilHealth. If you are a
PhilHealth member, and opt to have your baby undergo
expanded newborn screening, you will pay the remaining cost
which is P950.

Where is newborn screening available?

>Newborn screening is available in Hospitals, Lying-ins, Rural
Health Unit, Health Centers and some private clinics. If babies
are delivered at home, babies may be brought to the nearest
institution offering newborn screening.
When are newborn screening results available?
Results can be claimed from the health facility where NBS was
availed. Normal NBS Results are available by 7 - 14 working
days from the time samples are received at the NSC.

*Positive NBS results are relayed to the parents immediately by

the health facility. Please ensure that the address and phone
number you will provide to the health facility are correct.

*A NEGATIVE SCREEN MEANS THAT THE NBS RESULT IS

NORMAL.

*A positive screen means that the newborn must be brought

back to his/her health practitioner for further testing.

What should be done when a baby is tested a positive NBS

result?
>Babies with positive results must be referred at once to a
specialist for confirmatory testing and further management.
Should there be no specialist in the area, the NBS
secretariat office will assist its attending physician.
DISORDER Effect if NOT Effect if SCREENED
SCREENED and TREATED
CH (Congenital Severe Growth and Normal
Hypothyroidism) Mental Retardation
CAH (Congenital Death Alive and normal
Adrenal
Hyperplasia)
GAL (Galactosemia) Death or Cataracts Alive and normal
PKU Severe Mental Normal
(Phenylketonuria) Retardation
G6PD Deficiency Severe Anemia Normal
Kernicterus
MSUD (Maple Syrup Death or Mental Alive and normal
Urine Disease) Retardation
Alive and normal
DISORDER Effect if NOT SCREENED Effect if SCREENED and
MANAGED
ORGANIC ACID Developmental delay Alive
DISORDERS Breathing problems Most will have normal
Neurologic damage development with episodes
Seizures of metabolic crisis
Coma
Early death
FATTY ACID OXIDATION Developmental and Usually healthy in between
DISORDER physical delays episodes of metabolic
Neurologic impairment crises
Sudden death Alive
Coma
Seizure
Enlargement of the heart
& liver
Muscle weakness
HEMOGLOBINOPATHIES Painful crisis Alive
Anemia Reduces the frequency of
Stroke painful crises
Multi-organ failure May reduce the need for
Death blood transfusions
AMINO ACID DISORDERS Mental retardation Alive
Coma and death from Normal growth
metabolic crisis Normal intelligence for
some, learning problems to
others
G6PD CONFIRMATORY ADDRESS COORDINATOR CONTACT NUMBER
CENTER

REGION I
1. Ilocos Training and Parian, San Fernando Myrna L.Rosario,RMT (072)
Regional Medical City, La Union
Center 607-6422/ 607-6418 loc
159
2. Mariano Marcos San Julian, Batac, Ilocos Allan L. Fellizar, RMT 077-600-
Memorial Hospital and Norte
Medical Center 8000
loc 4113 or 1101
3. Region 1 Medical Arellano Street, Imelda A. Duque, RMT (075)
Center Poblacion Oeste
Dagupan City 5158916 loc 145
REGION II
4. Cagayan Valley
#2 Dalan na Pagayaya
Medical Center
Carir Sur, Tuguegarao Corajane A. Tayaman,
City RMT (078) 302-000
REGION III
5. Angeles University Mac Arthur Hi-way, (045) 6252999
Foundation Medical Angeles City Jesusa Sarmiento
Center , RMT loc 2888
(
045 )
625-2924
REGION IV A
6. Batangas Medical Kumintang Ibaba, Miriam E. Manalo, RMT (043)
Center Batangas City 740 8303

740 8304
740 8307 loc 1099

7. Lipa Medix Medical Ayala Highway, Isabelita M. Galac, RMT (043) 756 2372
Center Balintawak, Lipa City

8. University of National Highway, Sto. Mary Joyce R. Antonio, (049)

Perpetual Help Dr. Niño, Biñan City, Laguna RMT , MLS (ASCPi) 544 5150, 779 05310
Jose G. Tamayo 09958439312
Medical Center- Binan
9. Luna Goco Medical Lalud, Calapan City, Cristina B. De Rosales,
Center Oriental Mindoro RMT (
043 )
288 2473
09994132409

NCR
10. Makati Medical G/F Tower 2, No. 2 Krizza Allysa S.
Center Amorsolo Street, Cotingjo, RMT (02)
Legaspi Village, Makati 888-8999 loc 3028
City

11. Manila Central EDSA Caloocan City Gloria B. Caling, RMT (02) 363-3084
University-Filemon D.
Tanchoco Medical
Foundation Hospital

12. Our Lady of 46 P. Sanchez St., Sta

Lourdes Hospital Mesa Manila Agnes Larisma (02)
, RMT 716 3901 loc 3513 , 3390

13. The Medical City Ortigas Avenue, Pasig (02) 635

City, Metro Manila Leilanie Soriano
, RMT 6789 loc 6124 ,
6122, 6227
14. University of Alabang Zapote Rd. Divine Grace A. (02) 874-8515 loc 153
Perpetual Help Dalta Pamplona, Las Pinas Gonzales, RMT
Medical Center City

REGION VI
15. Dr. Pablo O. BS Aquino Drive, Monica B. Villanueva,
Bacolod City RMT (
Torre Memorial 034 )
Hospital 705 000 loc 3115 ,
3116
16. Cebu Doctors Osmeña Boulevard 032 255-5555 loc 122
University Hospital Capitol Site, Cebu City Marmie Sesaldo , 179
6000 , RMT
REGION VIII
17. Eastern Visayas Magsaysay Boulevard, Virgilio R. Hubilla Jr.,
Regional Medical Tacloban City RMT, MPH (
Center 053 )
832 0920
REGION IX
18. Brent Hospital R.T. Lim Blvd. Zamboanga Ivy Joan Banguis, RMT (062)
City
992
5996
loc 115
REGION 10
19. Cagayan De Oro National Highway, Mary Roselyn L. Molina, (088)
Polymedic Medical Kauswagan, Cagayan De RMT
Plaza Oro City 858-5858 loc 1080 /1083

20. La Vina General L. Alkuiro St. Valencia Dick Jefferson C. (088)

Hospital, Inc. City, Bukidnon Melitante, RMT
828 5132, 828 6150
21. Mayor hilarion a. Maningcol, Ozamiz City (088) 521
ramiro sr. regional Jane B. Aranas
training and teaching , RMT 0440
hospital

REGION XI
22. Tagum Doctors Highway 5A Rabe Subd., Genevive J. Landong, (084) 655
Hospital Tagum City RMT 9297
23. Davao Medical DMSF Drive, Bajada, (082) 227 9330 loc 1143
School Foundation, Inc. Davao City Ma. Beatrice Pineda
, RMT
SOCCSKSARGEN
24. General Santos National Highway, Riza S. Berenio, RMT (083) 250
Doctors Hospital General Santos City
2777
25. Kidapawan Doctors Kidapawan City Jennylen Licudan, RMT (064) 577
Hospital, Inc.
4480 l
oc