Atlanta Medical Center now offers collection of samples for newborn deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as a community service to mothers who deliver at the hospital. This allows parents to preserve the sample in case DNA testing is ever needed.

DNA testing is valuable to provide information in the case of kidnapping or in the event that a child requires identification following an accident, natural disaster or foul play.

“The goal of our Mother-Baby Services is to give our mothers and their newborns a safe and secure start when they leave the hospital,” said Dr. Fuad A. Fakhreddine, chairman of pediatrics and director of neonatology at Atlanta Medical Center. “Offering DNA sampling as a complimentary service helps accomplish this and advances child identification in our community.”

The process being used at Atlanta Medical Center requires a sample of blood that is routinely extracted from a newborn's heel for a series of required tests for diseases like sickle cell anemia and PKU. One droplet of blood, which can be taken from routine sampling, is placed on special filter paper called FTA paper that is used for long-term storage of DNA samples.

Once the stain dries, the sample is placed in a secure pouch and given to parents. No sample or copies are kept by the hospital.

DNA testing is more reliable than a baby's footprints because a newborn's feet contain a number of creases and wrinkles that may disappear over time, causing footprints taken at birth to be less useful in identifying an older child. A blood sample is a better option than saliva for long-term storage of DNA, since normal bacteria in the mouth or on a swab may cause the DNA in saliva to break down over time. Blood is also preferred to a hair sample, because a hair sample can only be used if it includes the hair root and cells, which is difficult to confirm without actual DNA testing.

The voluntary DNA sampling program is modeled after a program in Florida and is being offered free as part of Atlanta Medical Center's Mother-Baby Services. This is compared to at-home kits available through private companies that typically cost from $10 to $40, although these usually collect samples from saliva.

Since its founding in 1901, Atlanta Medical Center has been serving the medical needs of the community and the region. The 467-bed facility offers cardiology, medical/surgical, neonatal, oncology, orthopaedic, rehabilitation and emergency services. The level II Trauma Center is supported by aeromedical services providing immediate transportation to critical patients throughout the state, including Fayette County.

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