When should the newborn genetic screening test be performed?

The newborn genetic screening test is typically performed after the baby is 24 hours old, which allows for accurate testing of metabolic conditions. Performing the test too early, such as within the first 12 hours, may not yield reliable results because many of the conditions being screened for may not be detectable until the infant has had adequate time to metabolize food.

Timing after 24 hours ensures that the newborn has begun feeding and that the screening can be more sensitive to any metabolic issues that may arise from the processing of nutrients. This allows for a more effective assessment of the newborn's metabolic functioning.

Screening at two weeks of age would miss the critical early intervention period for detecting potential disorders, while performing it before discharge from the hospital could also be too early for optimal testing.

Thus, conducting the genetic screening after the baby reaches 24 hours of age strikes a balance between timely testing and the reliability of the outcomes, ensuring that any necessary follow-up or interventions can be implemented as soon as possible.