Newborn Screening
Newborn screening program updates: Beginning February 17, 2026, Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) will be included on the newborn screening panel.
What is newborn screening?
Newborn screening is a public health program that tests babies for rare genetic, metabolic, and hormonal disorders that need early diagnosis and treatment. This screening is like a safety net. It’s designed to catch rare health issues early—often before the baby shows any symptoms.
Most babies are born healthy. But for about 1 out of every 300 babies in Utah, this test helps find serious health issues that need treatments as quickly as possible for the baby to grow, develop, and live a healthy life.
What do we check for?
Utah has one of the best screening programs in the country. We check for more than 40 conditions, including:
- PKU: A condition where the body can't break down an amino acid found in food. Without treatment, it can cause irreversible brain damage.
- Cystic Fibrosis: A condition where the body produces thick mucus that affects internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system. Treatment helps prevent infections, organ damage, and growth delays.
- Congenital hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Without treatment, it can cause severe developmental and growth delays.
What does newborn screening mean for you?
You are doing a great job protecting your baby. By finishing both tests, you are giving your baby the best start at a healthy life. You are catching hidden problems before they become emergencies.
How it works: 2 easy steps
To make sure we don't miss anything, your baby needs two quick tests. Think of the first test as a "quick check" and the second as a "double-check" to be extra safe. Some conditions don’t show up right after birth, so this second test is very important.
The First Visit
(1 to 2 days old)A nurse gently pricks your baby’s heel to collect a few drops of blood. It’s over in a flash!
The Second Visit
(7 to 16 days old)You’ll take your baby to their regular pediatrician for a second test. The healthcare provider will prick your baby’s heel and collect a few drops of blood—just like the first test.
What if the results are "abnormal"?
An abnormal ("screen-positive" or "out-of-range") newborn screening result indicates a higher risk for a specific medical condition, but it is not a final diagnosis. The newborn screening program will request further testing to confirm the diagnosis. If diagnosed, they will connect you with a specialty medical provider.
Common questions
