PREVALENCE OF CHANGES DETECTED FROM THE HEEL PRICK TEST IN A MUNICIPALITY IN SOUTHERN SANTA CATARINA

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of abnormalities detected by the heel prick test in a municipality in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil, from August 2023 to February 2024.Method: , 237 children and their mothers were analyzed, along with the test results, in the neonatal screening unit of the Municipal Health Foundation of the municipality.Results: Of the 237 newborns analyzed, 21 presented abnormalities in the heel prick test.Sickle cell trait was the main abnormality detected, and prematurity and/or low birth weight were the main determinants for the need for retesting.There were no significant differences between the test results and high--risk pregnancy or mode of delivery.Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of the heel prick test in the early detection of neonatal pathologies, with hemoglobinopathies being the most prevalent.Despite limitations, the results show satisfactory adherence to the collection period and prenatal consultations, indicating improvements in maternal and child care.