Intermediate
Technical
NICU exception
Modified screening protocols for infants in neonatal intensive care units, accounting for medical interventions and prematurity.
Full Definition
NICU exception refers to special considerations in newborn screening for critically ill infants who require modified collection protocols due to transfusions, parenteral nutrition, or extreme prematurity. These infants may require additional specimens, delayed collection timing, or alternative cutoff values. Documentation must include specific interventions that might affect screening results, such as blood transfusions within 48 hours or total parenteral nutrition administration.
Usage
Usage note: Always document specific medical interventions that necessitated the exception protocol.
In Context
- "The specimen was collected under NICU exception due to recent transfusion." — laboratory form
- "NICU exception protocols require additional documentation of medical interventions." — screening manual
Also known as
NICU protocol
intensive care screening modification
Contrasted with
routine screening
Don't confuse with
specimen rejection
inadequate specimen