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New research shows that the way hospitals test newborns for hypoglycemia could better protect babies from brain damage and save money in the long run.
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The condition, known as neonatal hypoglycemia, affects one in six babies, with preterm babies, smaller or larger than usual, or those with diabetic mothers being the most at risk.
Researchers from the Liggins Institute of the University of Auckland and the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences modeled the total cost of commonly used test strips. used and enzyme tests less common, to see what would be the cost of the test.
They found that the test strips, which are the cheapest option, have a false positive rate of 20 percent, requiring a second blood test to confirm the limit results
. Professor Jane Harding said that enzymatic tests, which study enzymes in the blood, were more expensive, but were much more effective.
"We concluded that if you take into account lower levels of the test less accurate, c According to her, it is cheaper to do the test more accurate. Enzymatic tests could lead to long-term savings of $ 365,000.
Professor Harding said that it could also help a faster diagnosis, and that if babies are not detected too long, they could cause brain damage. four times more likely to have problems with executive function such as memory, following instructions and paying attention like preschoolers, "she said.
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