Like in many countries abroad, every child that is born in the Czech Republic is examined as part of their neonatal screening for the presence of metabolic diseases. Some countries such as Sweden, the UK and some US states also carry out neonatal screening that covers serious immune disorders which are found at a rate of one patient for every 50,000 - 100,000 births.   

In the Czech Republic, such examinations are not standard but can be carried out by our clinic.

What does the examination look like?

A drop of blood, usually sampled from the child's heel (like in maternity hospitals) is used for genetic examination of cells found in the immune system (T and B lymphocytes). In case we find that these cells are absent from the immune system, we know that the body is then unable to fight infections. With the help of this examination, we can also prevent any unnecessary and often severe reactions to live vaccination.

Based on an informed consent signed by the parent, this examination can be carried out at any time following birth, ideally prior to any vaccination using live vaccines - such as those against TBC or rotavirus. It is not necessary to book a special appointment as it can be carried out as part of a normal preventive examination by a pediatrician at Canadian Medical. Our clinic established a unique partnership with doc. MUDr. Tomáš Freiberger, Ph.D. (Center of Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery in Brno) who is responsible for carrying out this special genetic examination.

The results of the screening are available within one week.