Newborn screening is an important program that tests all newborns for serious medical conditions that can affect their growth, development, and lifelong health if they’re not diagnosed and treated as early as possible. In Utah, we screen for more than 40 medical conditions, including heart disease, cystic fibrosis, and PKU. Many of these conditions don’t show symptoms during infancy, and some don’t show symptoms until the person has a medical emergency. 

The screening process starts right after the baby’s birth. The hospital or midwife will prick the newborn’s heel to collect a small blood sample on a newborn screening card. The card is sent to the Utah Public Health Lab for testing. A second screening happens at the baby’s 2-week visit with their pediatrician. We do 2 screenings to make sure that no medical conditions were missed during the first test. 

If the screening results come back positive for a medical condition, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Newborn Screening Program contacts the baby’s pediatricians, parents, and clinical specialists to arrange more testing that could lead to an official diagnosis so the baby can start any needed treatments. 

Learn more about newborn screening, the conditions we test for, and contact us with questions at newbornscreening.utah.gov.