How did newborn screening gave birth to self-sampling?

In the early 1960s, advancements in diagnostics and treatments implied that early detection could significantly improve the outcomes of many childhood diseases. However, a formidable challenge stood in the way.

Drawing blood from newborns proved to be an incredibly difficult task and only a few senior doctors possessed the skills required. Moreover, newborns having a mere 80ml of blood made drawing larger samples not only challenging but also dangerous for the infants.

Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing has been a significant game-changer because it was the first time this method was put into clinical routine practice. The method required just a simple prick in the heel, a procedure so easy that it could be performed by virtually anyone. Only a few drops of blood were needed to provide high-quality results.

Today, advances in DBS technology have made neonatal screening programs a global standard in child healthcare. This progress highlights the power of innovation to enhance patient outcomes, streamline healthcare processes, and empower healthcare professionals worldwide to deliver better care.