Newborn Screening Program

Newborn screening in Pennsylvania is completed to ensure every newborn is tested for metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, congenital heart disease, and hearing loss.  Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is reported to the newborn screening program, but not universally screened for in infants.  The majority of these diseases are genetic and the testing performed identifies babies with certain disorders which, without intervention, may permanently impact newborns and their families.  Early recognition and treatment of most of these disorders leads to a better outcome for the newborn.

The Newborn Screening Program's goal is to eliminate or reduce mortality, morbidity and disabilities by screening for disorders included in the Pennsylvania Newborn Screening Panel so as to help affected babies live as long and normal of a life as possible.

No test is perfect.  If your newborn's health care provider suspects there is a problem or your newborn does not seem right despite a normal newborn screening result, your newborn may need further testing.

Where can I get more information?

If you have questions about your baby's newborn screening result, contact your baby's health care provider or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Program at 717-783-8143.