Newborn Screenings Now Mandatory in U.S.

Across the country, it is now mandatory that newborns are screened a total of 29 disorders, including metabolic, genetic and hormonal disorders and specific conditions like congenital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria.

According to a recent HealthDay report, it was just four years ago that only one in three newborns were  screened for the various disorders, some of which can lead to serious complications and even death if not detected and treated.

March of Dimes president Jennifer Howse released a statement regarding newborn screenings, estimated to cost 100 dollars and covered by most insurance providers: “What’s most expensive is if the conditions are missed and kids need catastrophic care … and human consequences are tragic.”

Howse says all parents should address newborn screenings with the hospital and their doctors to ensure they screen for all 29 conditions. If they don’t screen for all 29 disorders – make arrangements for the other conditions to be tested for as well.

Professor Dr. Jamie Grifo, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU, tells HealthDay that the key is to proactively identify disorders and treat them accordingly. “Hopefully, we’ll have a national standard on newborn screening that will benefit all children.”

Get more information here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20090218/hl_hsn/newbornscreeningsnowrequiredacrossus

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