What conditions are screened for during the capillary stick blood test in newborns?

The capillary stick blood test, often referred to as newborn screening, is a crucial procedure that helps in the early detection of several serious conditions in newborns. One of the primary reasons for implementing this test is to identify conditions that, if untreated, could lead to significant health complications or even death.

Cystic fibrosis and congenital hypothyroidism are two of the conditions that are routinely screened during this test. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to severe respiratory and nutritional problems. Early diagnosis through newborn screening can greatly enhance the management of the disease and improve the child's quality of life. Congenital hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, essential for normal growth and development. Early detection allows for timely treatment, which can prevent intellectual disabilities and promote better overall health outcomes.

The other options present narrower scopes that do not accurately capture the full range of conditions typically screened for during this important test. Some may only focus on metabolic or genetic disorders, or infectious diseases, which would limit the breadth of critical health issues that need to be identified in newborns. The inclusion of cystic fibrosis and congenital hypothyroidism in the