Development, Validation, and Application of the Paya Hamsan Technologies Underivatized Newborn Screening Assay

Azam Khodadadi1, Saber Nanbedeh1, Mahsa Joodaki1

  • 1Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, Arak University, Arak 3848177584, Iran.

Insights

Newborn screening for inborn metabolic disorders (IMDs) is crucial. The PHUNSA kit offers an efficient, underivatized MS/MS method for early detection, improving newborn screening (NBS) outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical Diagnostics
  • Mass Spectrometry

Background:

  • Newborn screening (NBS) for inborn metabolic disorders (IMDs) is vital for preventing severe developmental issues and mortality.
  • Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is a key technology for analyzing biochemical markers in dried blood spots (DBSs).
  • Simplifying specimen preparation by eliminating derivatization can enhance the efficiency of NBS analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the performance of the Paya Hamsan Technologies Underivatized Newborn Screening Assay (PHUNSA) kit for IMD NBS.
  • To assess the accuracy, precision, linearity, and stability of the PHUNSA kit according to international standards.
  • To determine if the PHUNSA kit offers a streamlined and reliable alternative for IMD detection.

Main Methods:

  • Validation of the PHUNSA kit using ISO 15189 standards and CLSI NBS04 guidelines.
  • Analysis of dried blood spot specimens (DBSs) using underivatized electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
  • Assessment of assay sensitivity, including limits of detection (LOD) and lower limits of quantification (LLOQ).

Main Results:

  • The PHUNSA kit demonstrated suitable performance with acceptable recovery rates and minimal bias for numerous IMD analytes.
  • Assay sensitivity was confirmed through acceptable LOD and LLOQ.
  • Reduced specimen preparation times, coefficients of variation consistently below 10%, and proven accuracy and stability under various conditions were observed.

Conclusions:

  • The PHUNSA kit provides a simplified, efficient, and reliable method for inborn metabolic disorder newborn screening.
  • The kit has the potential to enhance NBS programs by offering a scalable, cost-effective, and streamlined option.
  • Early detection and management of IMDs can be improved through the adoption of this underivatized MS/MS assay.