Neonatal screening and monitoring system in Taiwan.

ABSTRACT

Neonatal screening in Taiwan started as a pilot program in 1981. The coverage rate increased to 90% in 1990, and is currently more than 99%. Five diseases are covered in the screening program including congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, homocystinuria, galactosemia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. A monitoring system was established at the same time to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment for positive cases. Neonatal screening is not compulsory by law in Taiwan, but the government is very concerned about it. New tests for neonatal screening have recently been included as pilot programs. Parents of the newborns have to pay for these tests, for which informed consent has to be given. These additional tests include screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and tandem mass screening. The results of these pilot programs will be offered to the government for policy decision-making in the future.