Newborn Screening (NBS) - 5 Parameters Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Newborn Screening (NBS) - 5 Parameters Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NBS 5-parameter panel, Neonatal screening panel, Heel prick test (5 parameters) |
| Sample Type | Capillary blood (dried blood spot on a Guthrie card, collected via heel prick) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | All newborn babies of both genders, ideally within 24 to 72 hours of birth |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,800 |
What Is a Newborn Screening (NBS) - 5 Parameters Test?
The newborn screening (NBS) - 5 parameters test is a simple blood screening performed on babies within the first few days of life. It checks for five conditions that may not show any visible signs at birth. Doctors recommend this screening for every newborn, regardless of how healthy the baby appears. A few drops of blood are collected from the baby's heel and placed on a special filter paper card called a Guthrie card. This test is also called the NBS 5-parameter panel, neonatal screening panel, or heel prick test (5 parameters).
What Does a Newborn Screening (NBS) - 5 Parameters Test Measure?
This panel analyses five key markers from a dried blood spot to flag conditions that need early attention. Here is what each parameter checks:
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) | Activity of the G6PD enzyme, which protects red blood cells from damage |
| IRT (Immunoreactive Trypsinogen) | Level of trypsinogen, a protein produced by the pancreas |
| PHYL (Phenylalanine) | Level of the amino acid phenylalanine in the blood |
| GALAC (Total Galactose) | Level of galactose, a sugar found in milk |
| TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) | Level of TSH, a hormone that controls thyroid function |
Why Is a Newborn Screening (NBS) - 5 Parameters Test Done?
The newborn screening (NBS) - 5 parameters test is not ordered because a baby appears unwell. It is a routine preventive screen for all newborns, since the five conditions it checks for often cause no obvious symptoms in the early days of life.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Although this test is recommended for all newborns as a routine screen, certain signs may make it even more urgent. These include:
- Prolonged jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes beyond the first week)
- Poor feeding or unusual tiredness in a newborn
- Unusual urine or sweat odour
- Slow weight gain or poor growth
- Family history of any of the five screened conditions
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test screens for the following conditions:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland from birth, which can cause developmental delays if left untreated)
- G6PD deficiency (an enzyme disorder that can lead to severe neonatal jaundice and breakdown of red blood cells)
- Cystic fibrosis (a genetic condition affecting the lungs and pancreas)
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) (an inherited disorder where phenylalanine builds up and can damage the brain)
- Galactosaemia (an inherited condition where the body cannot break down galactose, the sugar in milk)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for the NBS test procedure is straightforward. Here is what you need to know before the sample is collected.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. In fact, the baby should ideally be well-fed and comfortable before the procedure. Feeding the baby just before the heel prick can help reduce distress during sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before the sample is collected:
- The sample is ideally collected between 24 and 72 hours after birth; collecting before 24 hours may produce unreliable results
- If the baby is discharged before 24 hours of age, a repeat sample after 24 hours is recommended
- Ensure the baby's heel is warm before the test, as warmth improves blood flow
- Breastfeeding or skin-to-skin contact during the procedure can help soothe the baby
- Bring a detailed clinical history including the baby's birth details, any medical conditions, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform the phlebotomist if the baby was born prematurely or has received a blood transfusion, as these factors can affect results
Step-by-Step Procedure
The NBS test procedure involves collecting a dried blood spot sample. Here is what to expect:
- The healthcare professional cleans the baby's heel with a disinfectant swab.
- A small, quick prick is made on the heel using a sterile lancet.
- Several drops of blood are collected and placed onto the circles on the Guthrie card (filter paper).
- Gentle, intermittent pressure may be applied to the heel to collect a sufficient number of blood drops.
- The blood spots are allowed to air dry completely before the card is handled further.
- The dried blood spot (DBS) card is labelled with the baby's details and dispatched to the laboratory at ambient temperature for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors can influence the reliability of the test results:
- Collecting the sample too early (before 24 hours of age) may cause false-positive TSH readings
- Insufficient blood saturation on the filter paper can lead to inconclusive results
- Premature birth, serious illness, IV (intravenous) feeding, or recent blood transfusions may affect several parameters
- Improper drying or storage of the Guthrie card before transport can compromise the sample
Understanding Your Newborn Screening (NBS) - 5 Parameters Test Results
Results are reported as "within range" or "out of range" rather than as numerical values. A result outside the cutoff does not confirm a diagnosis; it indicates that further confirmatory testing is needed. The table below shows the screening cutoffs:
| Parameter | Approximate Screening Cutoff | Unit | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSH | Less than 20 mIU/L | mIU/L | Values above cutoff may suggest congenital hypothyroidism |
| G6PD | Greater than 2.1 to 2.6 IU/gHb | IU/gHb | Values below cutoff may suggest G6PD deficiency |
| IRT | Less than 60 to 95 µg/L | µg/L | Values above cutoff may suggest cystic fibrosis |
| Phenylalanine | Less than 2.0 to 2.3 mg/dL | mg/dL | Values above cutoff may suggest PKU |
| Total Galactose | Less than 10 to 15.9 mg/dL | mg/dL | Values above cutoff may suggest galactosaemia |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your baby's age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are read:
- Premature babies may show altered TSH, G6PD, and other marker levels, which can sometimes require repeat screening.
- Blood transfusions given before sample collection can dilute or alter enzyme and metabolite concentrations, potentially masking the baby's true values.
- Samples collected before 24 hours of age may produce unreliable TSH readings, as neonatal TSH levels fluctuate significantly in the first hours after birth.
- Higher haematocrit levels, which are common in newborns, can result in slightly lower TSH readings on dried blood spot samples.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These tips support the best possible outcome from newborn screening:
- Ensure the sample is collected within the recommended 24 to 72-hour window after birth for the most accurate results.
- Follow up promptly with your paediatrician if any parameter is flagged; early action can prevent or reduce harm from many of these conditions.
- Continue breastfeeding and attend all scheduled paediatric check-ups to support your baby's overall health and early development.
Lupin Diagnostics Newborn Screening (NBS) - 5 Parameters Test Price and Home Collection
The NBS test cost starts at ₹1,800 at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection available across cities. Below is an overview of approximate pricing across major Indian cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1200 |
| CHENNAI | 1200 |
| HYDERABAD | 1200 |
| KOLKATA | 1200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1800 |
| PUNE | 1200 |
Disclaimer: 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 NBS 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
NBS test home collection is available across cities, making it convenient for new parents to have the heel-prick sample collected at home by a trained phlebotomist. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and digital reports are shared directly with you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NBS test screens newborn babies for five conditions, congenital hypothyroidism, G6PD deficiency, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, and galactosaemia before any symptoms appear. A few drops of blood are collected from the baby's heel and placed on a filter paper card for laboratory analysis.
The sample should ideally be collected between 24 and 72 hours after birth. If collected before 24 hours, a repeat sample is recommended once the baby is older than 24 hours. Premature or unwell babies may follow a modified timeline as advised by the paediatrician.
A normal result means the baby did not screen positive for the five conditions covered by this panel. However, this test does not screen for all possible health conditions. Regular paediatric check-ups remain essential, and any concerning symptoms should always be discussed with a doctor.
Yes, NBS test home collection is available. A trained phlebotomist visits your home to collect the heel prick sample on the special Guthrie card, which is then sent to the laboratory for testing.
At Lupin Diagnostics, results are typically available within 4 days of sample collection. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
A screen-positive result does not confirm a diagnosis. It means the baby needs further confirmatory testing to either rule out or confirm the suspected condition. Your paediatrician will guide you on the next steps, which may include a blood test, enzyme assay, or genetic test depending on which parameter was flagged.
Newborn Screening (NBS) - 5 Parameters Test: Booking, Price, and Results
