Mylab Discovery Solutions set to Transform New-born Screening with its Breakthrough Point-of-Care Solution

Pune, 27th Sep 2023: Mylab Discovery Solutions, a leading innovator in healthcare diagnostics, is proud to announce a ground-breaking advancement in new-born screening (NBS) with the introduction of its patent-pending Point-of-Care Device named MyNeoShield for New-born Screening. This device is set to transform the landscape of new-born healthcare by making screening faster, more accessible, and more affordable, ultimately saving lives and preventing lifelong illnesses. The device supports all the seven tests done for New-born screening globally. 

Traditionally, new-born screening has been a complex process, involving the collection of samples from new-borns, their transportation to centralized testing centres, and a wait time of up to a day or more for results. This time-consuming process posed significant logistical challenges, especially in remote or underserved areas because the doctors only have a window of 48 hours to take any action. Additionally, the high cost of specialized equipment made it difficult for smaller healthcare facilities, like nursing homes, to offer these critical tests.

This innovative device brings the power of new-born screening directly to healthcare providers, allowing for quick and efficient testing at the point of care. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. Faster Results (6x faster): With Mylab’s device, newborn screening results can be obtained within just 4 hours on the spot compared to traditional techniques that take up to 24 hours post sample receipt which may take additional 48-72 hours. This rapid turnaround time ensures that any potential health issues are identified and addressed promptly.

2. Accessibility: Smaller healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and clinics, can now offer newborn screening without the need for expensive equipment or extensive resources. This means that even in rural or remote areas, babies can receive the care they need right from birth.

3. Life-Saving Impact: Early detection of conditions through newborn screening is crucial. It can prevent mental retardation; mortality and lifelong illnesses that could otherwise be easily prevented with timely intervention. Mylab’s device empowers healthcare providers to make a significant impact on the well-being of newborns.

Hasmukh Rawal, Co-founder & Managing Director of Mylab, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, saying, “At Mylab, we are deeply committed to advancing healthcare through innovation and accessibility. Our Point-of-Care Device for New-born Screening is a testament to that commitment. By making screening faster and more accessible, we aim to save lives and ensure that every child has the opportunity for a healthy and promising future.”

This Point-of-Care Device for Newborn Screening is set to be available commercially from November. The company plans to take the device to global markets with its partners. Newborn screening (NBS) is a critical public health program involving the testing of newborn infants for specific genetic, metabolic, and congenital disorders shortly after birth. Left undiagnosed and untreated, many children may develop mental retardation, learning disabilities, autism, dyslexia, behavioural abnormalities NBS can detect most preventable or treatable inherited metabolic disorders and genetic conditions, offering a rational and cost-effective approach to preventing these issues.

List of Tests Covered:

1. G-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G-6-PDD): An inherited condition that can lead to severe anaemia and jaundice when triggered by specific medications or infections.
2. Galactosemia: a condition, where infants struggle to metabolize galactose, a sugar found in breast milk and formula.
3. Phenylketonuria (PKU): A metabolic disorder that can result in intellectual disabilities due to the inability to break down phenylalanine. 
4. Biotinidase Deficiency: This condition affects the body’s ability to process biotin, a B vitamin essential for various bodily functions.
5. 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP): Helps detect and evaluate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a condition characterized by decreased adrenal cortisol and aldosterone and increased androgen production.
6. Immunoreactive Trypsinogen (IRT): To screen for cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition affecting the lungs and digestive system. 
7. TSH: To test for congenital hypothyroidism, a condition in which thyroid gland may be completely absent, or it may be too small or in the wrong place. In some cases, the thyroid may be normal-sized or even large. 

Mylab Discovery Solutions is an Indian biotech firm focused on developing & commercializing Molecular, Serological, Immunology, Imaging, Biochemistry and Hematology testing solutions with focus on building Automated POC systems for applications in clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, biomedical research, Agri genomics, animal, and food safety.