Newborn Screening
What is Newborn Screening?
Newborn Screening, commonly known as Baby's First Test, is a useful tool that can identify conditions that have the potential to affect a child's long-term health. The test is performed by taking a small sample of blood after birth. The screened conditions differ per state with South Carolina currently screening for 56 conditions at birth. South Carolina requires all newborns to be screened except for when a religious exception is submitted. Results should be discussed at the baby's first check-up after leaving the hospital.
What is the process for determining the conditions that are added to Newborn Screening?
Each state has the ability to ultimately decide what conditions to add to their Newborn Screening tests however the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services provides a list of recommended conditions called the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). These conditions must have the potential to cause serious health problems if left untreated and have an known effective treatment amongst other considerations.
For More Information:
Baby's First Test (Includes List of Screened Conditions)
South Carolina Newborn Screening Website