Baby’s first test—called newborn screening—begins with a tiny heel prick to collect a few drops of blood on a filter paper card. The hospital or licensed midwife sends these blood spots to the state’s public health laboratory where scientists look for signs of serious disorders that might not be noticeable by parents or by doctors.
Most babies detected through newborn screening have no family history of the disorder and appear to be perfectly healthy at birth. The test allows these infants to be identified and treated before they get sick, preventing serious health problems or even death.
Newborn screening conditions are usually caused by a genetic mutation—any change that alters the instructions specified by the DNA.The disorders may be passed down through families or arise with no family history.
To learn more, download the brochure, Protecting Your Baby’s Health—What You Should Know About Newborn Screening.