Singapore Expands Newborn Screening to Detect Over 40 Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Early

All newborns at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore undergo blood screening under the National Expanded Newborn Screening (Nens) programme to detect over 40 metabolic and heritable diseases early. Started in 2006 and expanded in 2019, the non-mandatory test is done via a heel prick within 24–72 hours after birth. Conditions detected include phenylketonuria, glutaric acidemia type 1, maple syrup urine disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, SCID (“bubble boy disease”), and cystic fibrosis. The programme aims to identify issues before symptoms appear, improving chances of early treatment and preventing long-term complications.

Metabolic Diseases

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