Overview Newborn screening is the practice of screening every newborn for certain genetic, endocrine, and metabolic conditions, as well as functional disorders that are not apparent at birth. Finding these conditions soon after birth can help prevent some serious problems, such as brain damage, organ damage, and even death, thereby enabling the children to reach their full potential. For example, babies are tested for hypothyroidism, which means that their bodies do not make enough thyroid hormone. Babies with hypothyroidism can take medication with the hormone to avoid the slowed growth and brain damage that can happen if their hypothyroidism is not treated.
Screening tests do not diagnose illnesses. They identify which babies need additional testing to confirm or rule out illnesses. If follow-up testing confirms that the child has a disease, appropriate treatment can be started right…
