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What is the Office of Newborn Screening?

We are a part of the Washington State Department of Health.  We test babies born in Washington State for the ten treatable disorders listed below.  Babies with these conditions usually appear normal at birth.  Without screening, babies with these disorders are not likely to be detected before disability or death occurs.  Our testing and follow-up services allow early diagnosis and treatment.

Plans for Expansion.

The Newborn Screening Program may add conditions to its screening panel in 2008. A process is currently underway to consider 17 candidate disorders. The State Board of Health and Department of Health are convening a series of meetings with a broadly representative group of stakeholders (the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee). The Committee is reviewing each of the proposed conditions in relation to criteria established by the Board for adding conditions to the required panel. The final meeting, December 10, 2007 at our facilities in Shoreline, is open to the public. The Board of Health, which is directed by law to determine the disorders to be included in the screening panel, will review the committee’s recommendations in late winter or early spring. The Board of Health’s website contains information relevant to the process including background, agendas, summaries, and directions to the meeting site.

What Do We Do?

We track birth records to assure that babies are screened, and we do the laboratory testing.  We advise health care providers about the tests, results, further testing needed and immediate steps to prevent harm.  We follow these children over time to make sure they receive care to improve their lives.  Finally, we provide information and training to parents and health care partners.  In 2006, we performed over 2.3 million tests on more than 160,000 specimens for about 81,000 newborns.  A total of 95 infants with one of the conditions on the screening list were identified and put on treatment early in life.  This work is supported entirely by a one-time fee ($60.90) for each baby screened.  We collect an additional $3.50 that helps to support the special clinics that are needed to treat affected children.

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Washington State Department of Health
Newborn Screening Program
1610 NE 150th Street
Shoreline, Washington, 98155

Last Update : 11/09/2007 07:21 AM
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