What is Newborn Screening?

Texas first began a newborn screening program in 1965, after a test for phenylketonuria (PKU) was developed. The test was done through dried blood spots on a special filter paper with blood taken from a baby’s heel. PKU was one of the most common reasons for intellectual disability at the time, but it could be treated if caught early enough.

Over the last six decades, newborn screening programs across the country have evolved into one of the largest life-saving public health programs in history. Using dried blood spot testing methods, screening panels have expanded to include tests for several more conditions over the years. Every year, Texas identifies approximately 1,000 newborns who are diagnosed with life-threatening disorders because of screening. Through testing and early intervention, these infants receive the healthiest start to their lives.