PKU screening concerns

[rachie]

DD2 was just born a few days ago . Dh and I have been wondering about doing the PKU test. Our midwife can do it but it would cost like $140.00 or so. We have great medical, though that would cover it 100% BUT... our concern is:

Taking her in to a hospital full of sick people/germs, etc. when we feel she's safer/healthier to be at home, around more familiar friends/family (germs mom's milk is already familiar with/makes antibodies for).

Dh doesn't feel the need to get the test done (doesn't think she will have a disorder) - but then I'm sure NOBODY thinks their child will end up with it. I'm torn. I don't think a heal stick is a big deal and I don't think it's a bad thing to rule out a possible life-threatening condition but then is that worth possibly exposing her to "super" bacteria, whooping cough, flu, etc.... by taking her to the hospital? I suppose if she's worn by me, not touched by anyone other than the lobotomist, and we get right out of there - chances are she won't "catch" something??

[EMAID]

Is there a reason you can't take her to a regular, out-of-the-hospital pediatrician? With both my children (birth center births) we brought them to their pediatrician within 3 days after the birth and had the heel stick done then. Because it was their regular pediatrician it was covered. We're planning to do the same thing with the baby I'm due to have now. I'm sure there's SOME germs at a doctor's office, but not like a hospital.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

a ped should be able to do it and it be covered by your insurance. I am curious why it wouldnt be covered if the mw did it? I had ds's done at the birth center at 3 days old by the mw. But my insurance covered the bc birth and the mw to start with.


If you do have to go to the hospital then keep her covered and dont go near the ER. Go first thing in the morning before everyone else starts coming in.

[rachie]

ped/coverage

Originally Posted by EMAID

Is there a reason you can't take her to a regular, out-of-the-hospital pediatrician? With both my children (birth center births) we brought them to their pediatrician within 3 days after the birth and had the heel stick done then. Because it was their regular pediatrician it was covered. We're planning to do the same thing with the baby I'm due to have now. I'm sure there's SOME germs at a doctor's office, but not like a hospital.

Originally Posted by MCatLvrMom2A&X

a ped should be able to do it and it be covered by your insurance. I am curious why it wouldnt be covered if the mw did it? I had ds's done at the birth center at 3 days old by the mw. But my insurance covered the bc birth and the mw to start with.


If you do have to go to the hospital then keep her covered and dont go near the ER. Go first thing in the morning before everyone else starts coming in.

We have Kaiser Insurance/Care. It has to be done in a lab - and all the labs to my knowledge are in hospitals/urgent cares (IE sick people around). I can't just have the ped do it - the ped will send us to the lab - and actually our ped is in the same building as urgent care - we can't walk through the doors without being in the same building with coughing, gagging, sick people.

[nia82]

If your midwife charges for it she must be using a private lab cause the states offer it for free, but also keep a sample of baby's DNA for research and whatever they please to do with it. Ask her, I'd prefer to pay out of pocket and then the lab destroys the samples... We will actually do that with this baby and it will cost $199, but that's worth it for the ease of mind! We will do it at 2 weeks of age, by then all the tests can be performed properly. Many states test at 2 days and 2 weeks cause you cannot catch it all at 2 days, it's too early.

If you proceed with Kaiser, just have your DH sign you guys in at the lab and then call you on the cell when it's time, so you can minimize exposure. And you can take extra vitamin C like sodium ascorbate to help your guys' immune systems.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

That sucks. The ped office here takes the blood then sends it out our Dr. office is the same way.

[bella99]

My daughter had to have her test redone because of an abnormal thyroid value, but we were able to do it in a free-standing lab (my doc's office doesn't do blood draws).

I'd call around and see if you can find a free-standing lab.

Also, my friend was one of those people who never thought her kid would have a disorder and he did. Luckily, he had a "mild" variant of a rare disease that is often fatal within the first year of life. They were able to make adjustments accordingly, and he is now a completely normal and healthy 2 year old.

I think the test is worth it.

[homemademom]

We had to take one of our dd's in for multiple heel pricks over several days for jaundice. We kept her in the carseat or sling, stayed away from everyone, and avoided touching things (used Purell, too). When they did the heel prick, I held her or she stayed sitting in her seat, so she didn't even have to touch the table. Maybe you can do the same?

[owlgirl]

Interesting side story on this topic, my friend had a homebirth and took her son to the pedi to have it done. Years later when he could talk she decided to do the DTAP vaccine. Told him she was taking him to the MD and he says (his name is Sage) "Sagey don't like the doctor, grabbed his heel and went, owweee." We totally freaked out. I mean now, 10 years later, not as shocking with all I have learned. I personally am going to get the test, but what a trip huh?