Health and Community Services
June 19, 2015
Supporting Health and Well-Being for Families and Communities
Provincial Government Adds Cystic Fibrosis Checks to Newborn Screening Program
Families in Newfoundland and Labrador will soon benefit from the addition of screening for cystic fibrosis under the provincial Newborn Screening Program.
"Our government is proud to support the inclusion of screening for cystic fibrosis under the provincial Newborn Screening Program. By identifying diseases at birth, we can ensure proper early intervention and treatments that can improve patient outcomes, leading to healthier futures. We remain committed to making strategic investments to increase access to high-quality health care for all residents, and this latest initiative reflects that commitment."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
As of June 22, 2015, newborns will be screened for cystic fibrosis through a small blood sample at birth.
Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis checks for higher-than-normal levels of a chemical called immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), which is found in the blood. Persistently elevated IRT levels are a potential indicator for cystic fibrosis. Positive newborn screens for cystic fibrosis require additional testing, which may include screening for changes in the gene associated with cystic fibrosis. Parents of babies with a positive newborn screen result will be contacted by the provincial Newborn Screening Coordinator to explain the result and arrange appropriate follow-up testing. A positive newborn screen result for cystic fibrosis does not necessarily determine that a baby has the condition, but rather that there is an increased risk and follow-up testing is required.
"Eastern Health is pleased to coordinate this provincial program as we continue to work together with the Provincial Government to provide access to programs and services that help prevent medical complications and promote good health of the populations we serve. By diagnosing cystic fibrosis early, together with health care providers, parents can learn about new ways to help improve the health and well-being of their babies and reduce issues related to cystic fibrosis."
- Katherine Chubbs, Vice President Responsible for the Provincial Medical Genetics Program, Eastern Health
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss any concerns about their child's respiratory and digestive health with a family physician or public health nurse.
Budget 2015 provides further protection to newborns with an investment of $172,800 to add the Rotavirus vaccine to the Provincial Vaccine Program. The vaccine protects infants from gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to severe illness and hospitalization.
QUICK FACTS:
- The Provincial Government is adding cystic fibrosis to the list of diseases screened for under the provincial Newborn Screening Program, effective June 22, 2015.
- As of June 22, 2015, newborns will be screened for cystic fibrosis through a small blood sample at birth.
- Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis checks for higher-than-normal levels of a chemical called immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), which is found in the blood. Persistently elevated IRT levels are a potential indicator for cystic fibrosis.
- Budget 2015 also includes an investment of $172,800 to add the Rotavirus vaccine to the Provincial Vaccine Program for the protection of newborns. The vaccine protects infants from gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to severe illness and hospitalization.
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Media contacts:
|
John Tompkins
Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
Tracey Boland
Media Relations Manager Eastern Health 709-777-1412 traceyl.boland@easternhealth.ca |
2015 06 19 2:50 p.m.