Sunday, March 1, 2015

Screening Newborns for Genetic Disorders

Back in 2000, most U.S. states screened newborn infants for just four genetic disorders. Today 42 states screen for at least 29 of the 31 genetic or metabolic disorders for which an Advisory Committee of the Department of Health and Human Services recommends newborns be screened. The list includes cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, and a host of other conditions so rare you’ve probably never heard of them.

A link to your state's screening programs and tests can be found on the website of the National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center.

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