Disease Screening of Newborns Now Nearly Uniform Across the U.S., Saving Lives and Money

Beginning today, February 18, 2009, all 50 states and the District of Columbia will require hospitals to screen newborns for the same range of life-threatening diseases and conditions. The new regulations put an end to the days of states having their own individual policies and only screening babies for certain medical conditions.

Many genetic and metabolic disorders, which are rare but responsible for causing mental retardation, permanent disability, and even death, can be detected in blood drawn from newborns. Early detection and treatment of the conditions can cure some children and greatly improve their quality of life while saving billions in medical care costs.

Sickle cell disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism, and galactosemia are among the conditions most commonly screened for. A range of other disorders are also on the screening list.

The move to implement a core set of diseases, disorders, and conditions that every state screens for is a necessary step toward detecting as many medical problems as possible. The March of Dimes and the American College of Medical Genetics, which pushed states to adopt more uniform screening policies, should be applauded for their efforts.

States Had Different Screening Policies

Previously, some states only screened for four treatable conditions while others screened newborns for as many as 29. In 2005, it was estimated that only 38 percent of newborns were born in states which required screening for 21 or more conditions.

As recently as 2008, 23 states and the District of Columbia screened newborns for 29 core conditions. Another 25 states tested for 21 or more conditions, while Pennsylvania was the only state which screened for less than 10 conditions.

While there are still some slight differences between the states, the blood screening policies are now nearly uniform nationwide, said officials with the March of Dimes.

Early Detection Saves Lives and Money

Screening for and detecting rare medical diseases and disorders can do more than just save lives, it can also save states and the federal government billions of dollars in medical treatment. In these tough economic times, cutting the massive burden of healthcare costs is welcome relief that can help the nation recover financially. The fact that untold numbers of newborns across the United States will now have a much better shot at growing up to lead healthy, productive lives is just icing on the cake.

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