October 17 marked three years since the start of the Regional Neonatal Screening Center at the Lviv Regional Clinical Perinatal Center. During this time, the Center has established itself as one of the leaders in the implementation of the national Expanded Neonatal Screening Program.
Since October 2022, specialists at the Center have examined 172,256 blood samples of newborns from seven regions of Ukraine for 21 rare genetic diseases. Overall, more than 3.6 million tests were conducted. In 183 cases, pathologies were confirmed, allowing timely treatment or correction of the child’s condition.
Examinations are conducted free of charge, as all expenses are covered by the National Health Service of Ukraine. Results are recorded in the electronic medical documentation system.
It should be noted that the Expanded Neonatal Screening Program was launched in Ukraine on October 17, 2022, as a large-scale medical and social project, implemented with the support of the President of Ukraine and coordinated by the Ministry of Health.
“The Regional Neonatal Screening Center in Lviv is one of four in Ukraine. Thanks to the ‘heel test’, we can detect genetic diseases before the first symptoms appear. Modern technologies and a professional team allow us to promptly assist children and give them a chance for a healthy future. Neonatal screening is the foundation of preventive medicine”, said Maria Malachynska, director of the Lviv Regional Clinical Perinatal Center.