PUBLIC HEALTH
S
ince 1965, newborn screening has identified nearly 5,000 Minnesota infants who, because screening detected rare medical disorders, were able to receive early treatment that prevented serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls newborn screening one of the great public health accomplishments of the 21st century.
How it began In 1965, when newborn screening became available statewide in Minnesota, infants were screened for only one disorder, phenylketonuria (PKU). Without early treatment, children with this disorder suffer significant, permanent developmental delay. In those days, most children with PKU lived in institutions. Thanks to the development of newborn screening tests, PKU-affected children are now identified at birth, which allows them to immediately start a special diet. This diet protects children with PKU from developmental MS, CGC, delay and gives them the chance to live healthy lives and to grow up with their families. To give all children an equal chance of a healthy life, legislation was passed that requires newborn screening be offered to parents of all newborns and makes it a public health program administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Screening is covered by insurance. Today, newborns in Minnesota are screened for 54 medical disorders. This includes severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), added to the screening panel in January 2013.
Newborn screening Simple tests produce lifetime benefits By Amy Gaviglio, MS, CGC, Beth-Ann Bloom, and Sondra Rosendahl, MS, CGC
The process Shortly after birth, a small amount of Legislation a newborn’s blood from his or her was passed heel is collected on special paper. that requires This blood spot is dried and sent to the MDH public health laboratory, newborn where rapid testing for 54 diseases is screening be completed on 200-plus infants each offered to day. If test results are abnormal, genetic counselors contact the infant’s parents of all doctor to arrange for additional diagnewborns. nostic testing. MDH staff follows up with the doctor and family to ensure recommendations are followed and that the infant sees a specialist for treatment, if needed.
Leftover dried blood spots In addition to screening newborns, MDH staff constantly check screening accuracy and look for ways to improve tests. To do this, leftover dried blood spots are needed. Current Minnesota law allows MDH to keep any leftover blood for 71 days after normal
28
MINNESOTA HEALTH CARE NEWS MARCH 2013