Newborn screening has come under a lot of scrutiny lately. The March of Dimes has recently changed its recommendations that states require 30 tests for newborns to screen for genetic and other problems.
Currently states vary widely on how many screenings each newborn will have. Though most states test for hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria (PKU), many also test for sickle cell anemia.
The good news is that with advances in medical technology, the test is no more painful for your new baby. With one drop of blood, many labs can now test for many diseases at once. This would require that your baby have the exact same test he or she is already having – just with more results.
Many states that don’t require many tests say that the machinery needed to test is simply too costly. The machines could be shared with neighboring states as one solution to the $400,000 price tag. Though parents always have the option of paying for the screening themselves. With insurance the projected costs to parents is about $50, slightly higher for those without insurance. The difference? It could save the life of your baby.
Many of the genetic illnesses are treatable. The one thing that you must have first is a diagnosis. With higher standards of newborn screening in place, the March of Dimes hopes to have more newborns that are ill identified and treated. Be sure to check on your state’s current requirements.
