What is the newborn screening program?
A. The Texas Department of State Health Services Newborn Screening Program consists of testing, follow-up and case management. All babies born in Texas are required to have two rounds of screening tests for certain inheritable and other disorders. The Newborn Screening Program identifies those infants who have an abnormal screen at birth or shortly after birth. An abnormal laboratory result triggers follow-up and case management to ensure that the baby receives confirmatory testing and treatment, if needed. Early treatment can prevent serious complications such as growth problems, developmental delays, deafness or blindness, mental retardation, seizures or even early death.
A. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offers newborn screening as a service to families with new babies. This program identifies newborn babies with certain rare, serious disorders of body chemistry. These disorders can be treated if detected early. However, before your baby can be tested, you, as the parent, must agree. You may wish to discuss this issue with your spouse, another member, a friend, doctor, or nurse. We hope you will.
