About Newborn Screening Reference Center

Opportunities

NEWBORN SCREENING PROGRAM

NEWBORN SCREENING is a national public health program for the early identification of disorders. It is a simple procedure to find out if your baby has a congenital disorder that may lead to mental retardation or even death. Shortly after 24 hours from birth, a few drops of blood are taken from the baby’s heel, blotted on a special absorbent filter card, and sent to Newborn Screening Centers (NSC) for testing.

ABOUT NSRC

The Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC) is an office under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) University of the Philippines Manila, created under RA 9288. NSRC provides technical assistance to the DOH-NIH network in reaching the ultimate goal of screening Filipino newborns for common life-threatening heritable disorders. NSRC provides information and resources in the area of newborn screening to benefit health professionals, the public health community, consumers, and government officials.

Opportunities

Careers

We believe that you bring with you unique skills and talent that can help improve and develop the newborn screening program. We are actively seeking the best talent to join our organization.

NEWBORN SCREENING PROGRAM

NEWBORN SCREENING is a national public health program for the early identification of disorders. It is a simple procedure to find out if your baby has a congenital disorder that may lead to mental retardation or even death. Shortly after 24 hours from birth, a few drops of blood are taken from the baby’s heel, blotted on a special absorbent filter card, and sent to Newborn Screening Centers (NSC) for testing.

Why screen your baby?

The table below shows the potential effects of a screened and managed newborn versus one who did not receive NBS services.

   DISORDER    Effect if NOT SCREENED    Effect if SCREENED AND MANAGED
  ORGANIC ACID DISORDERS
  • Developmental delay
  •  Breathing problems
  • Neurologic damage
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Early death
  •  Alive
  • Most will have normal
  • development with episodes of metabolic crisis
   ENDCORINE DISORDERS
  •  Severe Mental Retardation
  • Death
  • Normal
  • Alive
   FATTY ACID OXIDATION  DISORDER
  • Developmental and physical delay
  • Neurologic impairment
  • Sudden death
  • Coma
  • Seizure
  • Enlargement of the heart & liver
  • Muscle weakness
  • Usually healthy in between episodes of metabolic crises
  • Alive
   HEMOGLOBINOPATHIES
  • Painful crises
  • Anemia
  • Stroke
  • Multi-organ failure
  • Death
  • Alive
  • Reduces the frequency of painful crises
  • May reduce the need for blood transfusions
   UREA CYCLE DEFECT
  • Seizure
  • Mental Retardation
  • Death
  • Alive
  • Normal Intelligence
   AMINO ACID DISORDERS
  • Mental retardation
  • Coma and death from metabolic crisis
  • Alive
  • Normal growth
  • Normal intelligence for some, learning problems to others
Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What is newborn screening?

Newborn Screening (NBS) is a simple procedure to find out if your baby has a congenital disorder that may lead to mental retardation or even death if left untreated.

  1. What is Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS)?

The expanded newborn screening program increased the screening panel of disorders from six (6) to more than twenty-eight.

  1. Why is it important?

Most babies with metabolic disorders  look  “normal”  at birth. By doing ENBS, metabolic disorders may be detected even before clinical signs and symptoms are present. As a result of this, treatment can be given early to prevent consequences of untreated conditions.*

  1. When is it done?

ENBS is ideally done immediately after 24 hours from birth.

  1. How is it done?

A few drops of blood are taken from the baby’s heel, blotted on a special absorbent filter card and then sent to Newborn Screening Center (NSC).

  1. Who will collect the sample for ENBS?

The blood sample for ENBS may be collected by any of the following: physician, nurse, medical technologist or trained midwife.

  1. Where is ENBS available?

ENBS is available in hospitals, lying-ins, rural health units, health centers and some private clinics.

  1. How much is ENBS?

Expanded newborn screening costs ₱1750 and is included in the Newborn Care Package (NCP) for PhilHealth members.

  1. What is Newborn Care Package?

NCP is a PhilHealth benefit package for essential health services of the newborn during the first few days of life. It covers essential newborn care, expanded newborn screening, and hearing screening tests.

  1. What are the eligibility conditions for newborn to avail of the NCP?

Newborns are eligible for NCP if ALL of the following are met:

  • Either of the parents are eligible to avail of the benefits,
  • Born in accredited facilities that perform deliveries, such as hospitals and birthing homes; and
  • Services were availed of upon delivery.
  1. How can results be claimed?

Results can be claimed from the health facility where ENBS was availed. Normal ENBS results are available by 7 – 14 working days from the time samples are received at the NSC.

Positive ENBS results are relayed to the parents immediately by the health facility. Please ensure that the address and phone number you will provide to the health facility are correct.

  1. What is the meaning of the newborn screening result?

A NEGATIVE SCREEN means that the ENBS result is normal.

A POSITIVE SCREEN means that the newborn must be brought back to his/her health practitioner for further testing.

  1. What must be done when a baby has a positive ENBS result?

Babies with positive results must be referred at once to a specialist for confirmatory testing and further management.

  1. What happens to the dried blood samples after screening?

After the dried blood spot has been tested, it will be stored in a secure locked area. The stored sample is retained to allow for normal quality assurance and may be used for ethics committee approved researches for the benefit of the public.

  1. What is the difference between screening and confirmatory tests?

Screening and confirmatory are two different tests and may produce different results. A screening test is done to identify the population at HIGH RISK while the confirmatory test either CONFIRMS or RULES OUT a condition in newborns with an out-of-range screening result.

  1. Why is a second test for preterm, LBW, or sick babies required at day 28 of life?

A number of factors, including infant condition, treatment, and maternal status, increase the risk of missed or unreliable testing for premature, low birth weight, and sick newborns ( e.g. abnormal results such as elevated amino acids may resolve at 28 days of life; thyroid function may have matured to expected levels at 28 days of life.) Initial screening cannot wait for 28 days because the goal of screening is to identify and treat every affected infant before the onset of symptoms, as it can result in irreversible mental and physical damage. Hence, there is a need to repeat their NBS on the 28th day of life to ensure the reliability of results. There are also numerous published international and local studies to back up this protocol.

  1. Where do we get the confirmatory testing results?

Contact the facility that collected/sent the samples for confirmatory testing (e.g. Newborn Screening Center for Hemoglobinopathies, Thalassemia, and Metabolic Disorders; G6PD Confirmatory Testing Center for G6PD deficiency, etc.).

  1. Is newborn screening test different from newborn hearing test?

Newborn Screening is a simple blood test to find out if your baby has a congenital disorder that can lead to mental retardation or even death if left untreated.

Newborn HEARING Screening test on the other hand, is a noninvasive test used to detect hearing loss in newborns using a tool called Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) or Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR). For more information about the hearing screening test, please visit http://www.nhsrc.ph or ask your doctor about it.

*Long term follow-up and management of children with confirmed newborn screening conditions ensure that these children receive the full benefits of early identification through newborn screening

 

Interested to know more about the disorders screened by NBS? Download brochures and fact sheets here: Resources

 About NSRC

The Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC) is an office under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) University of the Philippines Manila, created under RA 9288. NSRC provides technical assistance to the DOH-NIH network in reaching the ultimate goal of screening Filipino newborns for common life-threatening heritable disorders. NSRC provides information and resources in the area of newborn screening to benefit health professionals, the public health community, consumers, and government officials.

Organizational Chart

Functions of NSRC

As stipulated in the Newborn Screening Act of 2004, the NSRC shall be guided by the following functions:

  • be responsible for the national testing database and case registries, training, technical assistance and continuing education for laboratory staff in all Newborn Screening Centers
  • define the testing and follow-up protocols for Newborn Screening Centers (NSCs) to be established in strategic locations in the country
  • maintain an external laboratory proficiency-testing program
  • oversee the national testing database and case registries
  • report to the BHFS the NSCs found violating these rules and regulations and those performing and providing NBS procedures and services without any DOH accreditation
  • participate in consultation and evaluation activities initiated by BHFS in relation to the NSRC and the NSCs performance and in improving implementation of these rules and regulations.
Role of NSRC

RA 9288 or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 mandates the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines to create the Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC). The NSRC is responsible for the national testing database and case registries, training, technical assistance and continuing education for laboratory staff in all Newborn Screening Centers. Section 14 of the same article also stipulates that Newborn Screening Reference Center shall be responsible for the Quality Assurance of the National Comprehensive Newborn Screening System of the Country.

The NSRC provides technical assistance to the DOH-NIH network in reaching the ultimate goal of screening Filipino newborns for common life-threatening heritable disorders. NSRC, together with the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) of the DOH, ensures that quality services are provided to babies screened. The NSRC assists DOH in establishing Newborn Screening Centers (NSC’s) in geographically located areas. All NSCs will comprise a newborn screening laboratory and will be equipped with a follow up program that is linked with the DOH.

MISSION

The Newborn Screening Reference Center of the University of the Philippines – National Institutes of Health ensures all Filipino children will have equitable access to comprehensive quality care for their optimal growth and development through training, education, advocacy, policy development, research and quality management systems.

With access to state of the art technologies, expertise and years of experience, we will ethically manage our resources to be able to achieve sustainability of our socially responsive programs, providing excellence, innovations and a competent human resource.

VISION

The NSRC shares the vision of the National Comprehensive Newborn Screening System which is the vision of the Child 2025 Planning Framework aiming that:

By 2028, every Filipino child will be born healthy and well, with an inherent right to life, endowed with human dignity and reaching her/his full potential with the right opportunities and accessible resources.

Contact Us

Please Contact Us at
Unit 304 New Gold Bond Building, 1579 F.T. Benitez St., Malate Manila

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Department of Health

Children’s Health Development Division

  • Disease Prevention and Control Bureau
  • San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila
  • Contact Number: (02) 8-651-7800, local 1728

For Training/Orientation, kindly contact the DOH-Regional Newborn Screening Team through the following contact numbers:

REGION CONTACT DETAILS NBS PROGRAM MANAGER NURSE COORDINATOR
1 Ilocos (072) 2424773 loc 126

[email protected]

Cyrus Jed G. Ramos, RN Nicole Marie S. Bugarin, RN

 

2 Cagayan Valley (078) 3046585

[email protected]

Anabelle S. Paguirigan, MD Novelyn C. Lacuanan, RN,MPBM-PA
3 Central Luzon (045) 8613428 loc 112

[email protected]

Janet T. Miclat, MD Jean Canlas, RN
CAR (074) 4428096 loc 132; (074) 4445255

[email protected]

Anachris M. Kilakil, MD, MPM Ralph Brian S. Dizon
NCR (02) 8-5310037

[email protected]

Katrina Lea Lavado-Pike, MD Janice C. Acosta, RN

Mark Christian Paez, RN

Christine Jay Agatep, RN

4A CALABARZON (02) 8-4403372

[email protected]

Jenica Querido, RN Jose Antonio Yap, RN

Jhoanna Gatbonton, RN

Paul Vincent Santos, RN

4B MIMAROPA (02) 8-9115025; (02) 8-9120195 loc 138 or 143

[email protected]

Mathew R. Medrano, MD Fe Laarni Camayang, RN
5 Bicol (052)  4835959    (052)  4835656 (052) 4830840 loc 512

[email protected]

Sarah Mae Magtanob, RM, RN Margaret Estevez Ani, RN

Marie Kristine Therese S. Nolial, RN

6 Western Visayas (033) 3210364 / 3213673

[email protected]

Gem Laurie Borja, MD Florence May Osano, RN
7 Central Visayas (032) 2540109

[email protected]

Joan Antonette R. Albito, MD Jaika Jel Besira, RN, MMHA
8 Eastern Visayas (053) 3235044

[email protected]

Milagro Salvacion Bolito, MD Wenonah Wae B. Tutaan, RN
9 Zamboanga Peninsula (062) 9830314; (062) 9830315 Apryl Joy C. Gresones, RN, MPM Aubrey San Luis, RN
10 Northern Mindanao (088) 8587123

[email protected]

Pauline Angela F. Balansag, RN Serge Jude Vidal, RN

 

11 Davao Region (082) 2243011; (082) 3051907

[email protected]

Francine Adrienne P. De Castro, MD Angelica Nina Angliongto, RN

Rhoebelle Ann R. Balio, RN

12 SOCCSSKSARGEN (064) 4214726

[email protected]

Mary Agnes A. Panton, RN, MPA Maria Mae C. Pretesto, RN

Omairah Sarifa A. Ayao, RN

13 Caraga (085) 3411595; (085) 3425208 loc 115 Cheryl Mary L. Plaza Daniel C. Montilla, RN
ARMM (064) 4217703

[email protected]

Sheridan A. Sampulna, RN

Continuity Clinics

REGION HOST FACILITY MEDICAL SPECIALIST NURSE CONTACT DETAILS
I

Ilocos Region

Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center Ivy Rose C. Valdez-Acosta, MD Vanessa B. Mabalo, RN [email protected]

09176312349

Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center Judy R. Pipo-Deveza, MD, FPPS, FNSP, FPNA Thricia Bless S. Ventura [email protected]

09296087917

Region 1 Medical Center Alma R. Estrada, MD Mary Glenid P. Palisoc, RN [email protected]

09124494768

II

Cagayan Valley

Cagayan Valley Medical Center Grandelee D. Taquiqui, MD Ma. Cristina S. Calimag, RN 0917-631-4532
Southern Isabela Medical Center Nori Jane G. Aroc MD Jingky C. Lorenzo RN [email protected]

09761335471

CAR

Cordillera Administrative Region

Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center Sharon B. Gawigawen, MD Florenz Ronielo G. Nastor, RN [email protected]

09176321486

III

Central Luzon

Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital Maria Victoria L. Macalino, MD Maria Francesca P. Retomarta, RN [email protected]

09176314346

Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research & Medical Center Ma. Lourdes Bernadette D. Trinidad, MD,DPPS, DPSNbM Irish F. Talion, RN [email protected]

09171035330

Bulacan Medical Center Barbara A. Gatiera, MD Maria Danica C. Rivera, RN [email protected]

09479337439

NCR

National Capital Region

Philippine General Hospital Michelle E. Abadingo, MD Gellie Ann E. Golfo, RN [email protected]

0917-623-9111

Philippine Children’s Medical Center Teresa F. Bag-ao, MD, DPTS Shereen C. Blaza, RN [email protected]

09058582057

IV-A CALABARZON General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital Laura Maria Soledad A. Aguinaldo, MD Jhonalyn D. Bantigue, RN [email protected]
[email protected]
  • 09176314883Quezon Medical CenterDr. Josephine Leiya Marie F. Salud-MasangaLovely Joy M. Divina RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09152822459
  • Batangas Medical CenterCarolyn I. Boongaling , MD, FPPS, FPSPMEJulia B. Silang, RN, MAN
  • [email protected]
  • 09171135128
  • Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial District HospitalJedeane M. Aragon, MDKimberly N. Llamas, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09365361604

IV-B MIMAROPA

  • Oriental Mindoro Provincial HospitalMichelle Mutiangpili, MDSheerlove U. Villaruel
  • [email protected]
  • 09759176790

V Bicol Region

  • Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical CenterMarive A. Flores- Declaro, MDMary Joy M. Rebueno, RM, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09176316663
  • Bicol Medical CenterMichelle R. Semana, MD, FPPSHoneychille N. Repane, RN,LPT
  • [email protected]
  • 09256217428

VI Western Visayas

  • West Visayas State University Medical CenterSuzanne Marie G. Carmona-Barrera, MDDiana V. Pondevida, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09176316975
  • Western Visayas Medical CenterDr. Ma. Fema RiveraKathleen Anne B. Mendoza, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09479670178
  • Roxas Memorial Provincial HospitalDr. Shiela DividinaChiella Marie B. Fernando,RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09126279638

VI Negros Occidental Province

  • Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional HospitalKristin Grace G. Gonzalez, MD, DPPSAlmae Irene S. Tuya, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09171101790

VII Central Visayas

  • Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical CenterMa. Rita Anna Salve R. Boligao, MD,FPPSLucille Jra. D. Largo, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09176316654
  • Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical CenterDubhe Y. Marges,MDPrincess Hannah I. Racho, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09075428811

VIII Eastern Visayas

  • Eastern Visayas Medical CenterNancy G. Honor, MD, FPPS, FPSPMEEldeliza C. Campomanes, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09989647679

IX Zamboanga Peninsula

  • Zamboanga City Medical CenterMirasol S. Ellong, MD, DPPSIris R. Tomas, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09176301768

X Northern Mindanao

  • Northern Mindanao Medical CenterRona O. Ortencio, MD, DPPSUdall Armand H. Cabading, RN, PTRP
  • [email protected]
  • 09176321958
  • Bukidnon Provincial Medical CenterDr. Aileen M. DumbrigueIan Roy A. Lapinid, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09199430725

XI Davao Region

  • Southern Philippines Medical CenterGenelynne J. Beley, MD, FPPS, MHPEdMargaret C. Sibug, RN, MN
  • [email protected]
  • 09176318833
  • Davao Regional Medical CenterDr. Rogelyn Napalit, DPPSRusdi L. Gapar, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09391782238

XII (SOCCSKSARGEN)

  • Cotabato Regional Medical CenterMaria Christina B. Eran,MDJuledene M. Mendoza, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 09176323802
  • Soccsksargen General HospitalDr. Joan Grace B. Fernando, MDLeamica Prinshiella P. Abellar
  • [email protected]
  • 09288427096

XIII (CARAGA)

  • Agusan Del Norte Provincial HospitalRiza A. Felias, RMT, MDJessa S. Patuasic, RN
  • [email protected]
  • 9482163822