NBS 7 Para (17OH, BIOT, G6PD, IRT, PHYL, GALAC, TSH) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NBS 7 Para (17OH, BIOT, G6PD, IRT, PHYL, GALAC, TSH) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NBS Lite 7P, Newborn Screening 7-Panel, Heel Prick Test, Guthrie Test |
| Sample Type | Dried blood spot (capillary blood from heel prick) on a Guthrie card |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | All newborns aged 2 to 28 days, both male and female |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,500 |
What Is an NBS 7 Para (17OH, BIOT, G6PD, IRT, PHYL, GALAC, TSH) Test?
The NBS 7 Para test is a newborn screening panel that checks a baby's blood for seven key metabolic and hormonal markers. It is designed to detect serious inherited conditions before any symptoms appear. Also called the Heel Prick Test or Newborn Screening 7 Panel, it uses a small dried blood spot collected from the baby's heel. Doctors typically recommend this test for all newborns within the first 28 days of life.
What Does an NBS 7 Para (17OH, BIOT, G6PD, IRT, PHYL, GALAC, TSH) Test Measure?
The NBS 7 Para test procedure screens seven specific markers in a newborn's blood. Each one points to a different inherited condition. The table below explains what each marker does.
| Parameter | What It Checks |
|---|---|
| TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) | Controls thyroid function; raised levels may point to congenital hypothyroidism |
| 17-OHP (17-Hydroxyprogesterone) | A steroid hormone precursor; elevated levels may indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) |
| G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) | An enzyme that protects red blood cells; low levels suggest G6PD deficiency |
| IRT (Immunoreactive Trypsinogen) | A marker of pancreatic function; raised levels are associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) |
| Phenylalanine (PHYL) | An amino acid; high levels may indicate phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder |
| Galactose (GALAC) | A simple sugar found in milk; elevated levels may suggest galactosaemia |
| Biotinidase | An enzyme that recycles biotin (a B-vitamin); low activity may indicate biotinidase deficiency |
Why Is an NBS 7 Para (17OH, BIOT, G6PD, IRT, PHYL, GALAC, TSH) Test Done?
This screening panel is done to identify inherited conditions early, when treatment is most effective. Many of these conditions have no visible signs at birth, so early detection is key to preventing serious complications.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Newborns are screened routinely rather than based on symptoms alone. However, the following signs may prompt a doctor to request early or repeat testing:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Poor feeding or difficulty latching
- Unusual drowsiness or low energy
- Vomiting or poor weight gain
- Seizures in the early newborn period
- Developmental concerns flagged shortly after birth
- Family history of any of the seven screened conditions
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The NBS 7 Para test screens for seven inherited conditions. These are listed below:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (CH): thyroid hormone deficiency present at birth that can affect brain development if not treated early.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): a hormonal disorder that can cause a medical emergency in untreated newborns.
- G6PD deficiency: an inherited blood condition where red blood cells break down when exposed to certain foods, medicines or infections.
- Cystic fibrosis (CF): a genetic condition affecting the lungs and digestive system.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): a metabolic disorder in which phenylalanine builds up to harmful levels.
- Galactosaemia: a condition in which the body cannot break down galactose, a sugar found in breast milk and formula.
- Biotinidase deficiency: a disorder in which the body cannot recycle biotin, leading to neurological and skin problems if untreated.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The NBS 7 Para test is straightforward and requires very little preparation from parents. Below is everything you need to know before and during the collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the newborn. Parents are encouraged to feed the baby before the appointment to keep them calm and comfortable.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few simple steps to prepare for a smooth sample collection for your baby's NBS 7 Para test:
- Book the test when the baby is between 2 and 28 days old; the ideal window is 24 to 72 hours after birth.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your baby's birth details, gestational age, birth weight, any medications given and any family history of inherited conditions, as this is required for the test.
- Ensure the baby has been fed and is settled before the procedure.
- Keep the baby warm before and during the test to improve blood flow to the heel.
- Breastfeeding or offering a sucrose solution during the procedure can help soothe the infant.
- Inform the healthcare provider if the baby was born prematurely or received a blood transfusion.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The NBS 7 Para test procedure uses a method called the heel prick. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist or nurse gently warms the baby's heel to encourage blood flow.
- A small, quick prick is made on the side of the heel using a sterile lancet. The baby may cry briefly, but the procedure is over in seconds.
- A few drops of blood are collected and placed onto the circular spots on a special filter paper card called a Guthrie card.
- The blood spots are left to dry completely at room temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius) before the card is sealed for dispatch.
- The Guthrie card is sent to the laboratory, where it is tested using EIA (enzyme immunoassay) and spectrophotometry methods.
- Results are processed and delivered within 4 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain conditions may influence the test results. Being aware of these helps your doctor interpret findings correctly:
- Prematurity or low birth weight (may raise 17-OHP and TSH levels, leading to false-positive results)
- Blood transfusions before the test (may affect G6PD and galactose readings)
- Sample collected too soon after birth (before 24 hours of age can cause a false TSH elevation)
- Incorrect drying or storage of the Guthrie card
- Use of steroid medications in the baby or mother
- Perinatal stress at the time of birth
Understanding Your NBS 7 Para (17OH, BIOT, G6PD, IRT, PHYL, GALAC, TSH) Test Results
Results from the NBS 7 Para test are compared against established screening cut-off values. A result within the normal range means the baby is at low risk for the screened conditions. The table below shows the general reference ranges used for each parameter.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| TSH | Less than 14.5 (99th percentile) | mIU/L |
| 17-OHP | Less than 43.7 (99th percentile, normal birth weight) | nmol/L |
| G6PD | Greater than 2.18 (1st percentile) | IU/gHb |
| IRT | Less than 95.3 (99th percentile) | µg/L |
| Phenylalanine | Less than 2.3 | mg/dL |
| Galactose | Less than 15.9 | mg/dL |
| Biotinidase | Greater than 48.59 (1st percentile) | U |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your baby's age, birth weight, gestational age and health history. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations in the newborn period can affect how results are read:
- Preterm and low-birth-weight babies naturally have higher 17-OHP and TSH levels, which can produce false-positive findings; your doctor will consider these factors before recommending further tests.
- Babies who received a blood transfusion before the sample was taken may show altered G6PD and galactose values; a repeat test after transfusion is usually advised.
- Dopamine use and perinatal stress can also influence TSH levels in newborns, and your doctor will take these into account during interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The NBS 7 Para test is a one-time screening. If results are normal, no further action is needed for these conditions. Here are some general tips for parents:
- Attend all follow-up appointments if any parameter comes back out of range, as early confirmation and treatment make a significant difference to long-term outcomes.
- Ensure the baby receives timely dietary or hormonal support if a condition is confirmed, as directed by your paediatrician.
- Consider genetic counselling if a confirmed condition runs in your family, so that other family members can be assessed if appropriate.
Lupin Diagnostics NBS 7 Para (17OH, BIOT, G6PD, IRT, PHYL, GALAC, TSH) Test Price and Home Collection
The NBS 7 Para test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,500. Home sample collection is available, making it convenient for new parents to get their newborn screened without a hospital visit.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1000 |
| CHENNAI | 1000 |
| HYDERABAD | 1000 |
| KOLKATA | 1000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2500 |
| PUNE | 1000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for an NBS 7 Para test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the NBS 7 Para test across multiple cities in India, so parents do not need to travel with a newborn. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Digital reports are shared securely with the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NBS 7 Para test is a screening panel that checks a newborn's blood for seven inherited metabolic and hormonal conditions. It is recommended for all newborns because most of these conditions show no symptoms at birth, and early detection allows treatment to begin before any damage occurs.
The test should ideally be done between 24 and 72 hours after birth and no later than 28 days of age. Collecting the sample before 24 hours of age may lead to inaccurate TSH readings due to the natural hormonal changes that occur right after birth.
The prick is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Your baby may cry briefly, but the procedure is over within seconds and leaves no lasting mark. Feeding or holding the baby during the test can help soothe them.
An out-of-range result on the NBS 7 Para test does not confirm a diagnosis. It simply means further testing is needed for that parameter. Your doctor will guide you on the next steps, which may include repeat screening or more specific confirmatory tests.
No fasting is required. In fact, feeding your baby before the appointment is encouraged, as a well-fed baby tends to be easier to calm during the heel prick.
Yes, but results in preterm or low-birth-weight babies need to be interpreted carefully. These babies can have naturally higher levels of some markers, which may cause false-positive results. Your doctor will account for your baby's gestational age and birth weight when reviewing the findings.
No. This panel screens for seven specific inherited conditions only. It cannot detect every possible genetic or metabolic disorder. If you have concerns about other conditions based on your family history, speak to your paediatrician or a genetic counsellor about additional testing options.
NBS 7 Para (17OH, BIOT, G6PD, IRT, PHYL, GALAC, TSH) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
