WHY NEOGEN LABS
We are not just another diagnostic lab. In case the result of the screening test is positive for a disorder, we support the physicians and the parents in their efforts to treat the infant. We set up consultations with the experts, help with confirmatory testing and sourcing of diets. We do this daily.
We are constantly evaluating new technologies to improve quality and lower costs. We participate in newborn screening events around the world throughout the year to learn from the experiences of others with similar programs. Our staff has visited and trained in laboratories in the US and Australia. We have incorporated the best in class practices we have learnt into our lab operations. Our goal is to be on par with the best newborn screening laboratories in the world.
Standards Compliant
NeoGen Labs follows worldwide standards in newborn screening. We use the dried blood spot sample (used by newborn screening labs all over the world) collected on a filter paper. The 903 or 226 filter paper blood collection form used by NeoGen Labs is custom designed for us. The bar coded filter paper is manufactured to be compliant with CLSI Standards defined in NBS01 Blood Collection on Filter Paper for Newborn Screening (6th Edition) to ensure that sample integrity and patient data are not compromised.
Interpretation
The First Step Newborn Screening Program uses interpretation based on screening data of over 4 million babies for the disorders screened by Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS). The MS/MS interpretation allows us to accurately call out the presence or absence of the screened disorders.
Newborn Screening Panel
The newborn screening panels were initially based on the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) Core and Secondary panels. This has now evolved to the Recommended Universal Screening Panel (RUSP) which forms the basis of newborn screening panels, worldwide. Disorders have to meet certain criteria before they are included in the newborn screening panels.
NeoGen Labs follows RUSP and screens for over 50 disorders in the panel, in our facility in India. Some of the additional tests are performed at PerkinElmer Genetics Lab in Bridgeville, PA in the United States of America, if requested.
Quality Control
NeoGen Labs participates in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program (NSQAP), quality control program based on dried blood spots. Nearly every newborn screening program and laboratory in the world (over 650 screening laboratories in 75 countries), participates in this quality assurance program. Our lab is also accredited by NABL and CAP for all the tests we do.
Each and every baby’s life is precious, and we recognize that. Many of us at NeoGen are parents and feel the way you do about your baby. That is why there are no shortcuts or compromises when we do the testing. We strive to get it right the first time, every time.
