A single blood sample collected from the umbilical cord holds the potential to significantly alter a newborn’s future. Beginning last November at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, ‘neonatal screening’ has commenced, focusing on early detection of five critical illnesses frequently appearing without obvious symptoms after birth. To date, more than 2,000 newborns have undergone testing, and notably, two individuals have been identified with cystic fibrosis.
Doctors at the Neonatology Clinic utilize this innovative approach to detect three additional diseases: phenylketonuria, galactosemia, and congenital hypothyroidism. The program’s scope extends to include spinal muscular atrophy, with analyses planned for the Microbiology Clinic in the near future. Luan Morina, the Director of the Neonatology Clinic, highlighted to KosovaPress that, during the period of January through March 2026, these screenings will be expanded.
This proactive method of testing, utilizing a simple blood sample, offers a crucial first step in safeguarding the health of vulnerable newborns. The identification of two cases of cystic fibrosis underscores the program’s effectiveness and potential impact.
Topics: #blood #two #cystic
A blood test offers a lifeline – Two newborns identified with cystic fibrosis at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo.