Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and emotional time for parents. It also can be a time of information overload, and concern or worry about the newborn’s health. The New York State Department of Health’s newborn screening program can help put a parent’s worry at rest. For more than 60 years, this free program has been helping ensure that every baby lives a life as long and normal as possible. Its goal is to identify babies born with certain rare conditions that can affect long-term health and even survival.

            The screening test is performed on a tiny sample of blood, taken by pricking the infant’s heel, usually within the first 24 to 36 hours after birth. The sample is then sent for testing to the laboratory at Wadsworth Center at the NYS Department of Health in Albany. More than 50 different disorders are screened for—genetic, metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin or sickle cell, and infectious disorders. Most newborns will not have any of these issues, but those who do may appear healthy at birth, which is why testing is so important. The earlier treatment can be started the better the outcome is for the newborn.

The screening is designed to detect a potential disorder, and further testing is then needed to confirm results. The results are sent to the baby’s healthcare provider, so it is important that this information is shared when the screening is performed. When a repeated specimen test is needed, the maternal child nurse at the Putnam County Department of Health contacts the child’s physician or healthcare provider to ensure this is done. And remember, no test is perfect. If a healthcare provider suspects a problem, or if a parent does, further investigation is needed. Still, the newborn screening program is a first step. There are no fees for these tests which are required by law for all newborns born in New York State, unless the parents confirm in writing that they have a religious objection.

Sources:

·         NYS Department of Health, Wadsworth Center—Newborn Screening Program

https://www.wadsworth.org/programs/newborn/screening

·         Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)—NY, Newborn Screening Panel

https://newbornscreening.hrsa.gov/your-state/new-york