minnesota newborn screening program

About the
Newborn Screening Program

What is the Minnesota Newborn Screening Program?

  • The Minnesota Newborn Screening Program oversees newborn screening for all children born in Minnesota.
  • Ensures that all children are being screened and test results promptly reported.
  • Identifies newborns affected with rare, hidden disorders or babies who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Confirms that all children with a positive result or who do not pass their hearing screening are referred to specialists or other professionals for diagnostic evaluation(s).

Minnesota Newborn Screening Program Goals:

  • All Minnesota babies will be screened before hospital discharge.
  • Children with positive newborn screens or children who do not pass their hearing screenings will have prompt diagnostic assessments and will receive early intervention services.
  • To find children with rare, hidden disorders or a hearing loss at an early age where treatment and intervention can prevent health problems, help development, and save lives.
  • Improve systems for follow-up, reporting, and connection to services for children identified by newborn screening.

Why is the Minnesota Newborn Screening Program Important?

  • Newborn screening can save babies’ lives and help them begin life healthy.
  • Newborn screening looks for disorders that are hidden at birth - without newborn screening, these disorders may stay hidden and cause damage.
  • Newborn screening finds hearing loss early, so that babies can continue to reach significant speech and language milestones.
  • Children found to have a disorder on the newborn screening panel or a hearing loss rarely have a family history of hearing loss or a newborn screening disorder that would lead to early detection of the condition.
Updated Friday, 03-Dec-2010 18:32:14 CST