Announcements About Newborn Screening

Metachromatic leukodystrophy added to Minnesota Newborn Screening Panel

April, 2025

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Cunningham has approved the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee's recommendation to add metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) to the list of conditions and to begin the steps needed to implement newborn screening for MLD. MLD is a genetic condition that affects the brain and nervous system.

Thank you, advisory committee and workgroup members for your time and expertise during the review process. Thank you to providers, parents, and advocates for bringing these conditions forward to the advisory committee; future generations of Minnesota’s children and families will be healthier thanks to your work.

The formal news release with additional information can be found on the MDH 2025 News Release page.

NSAC Spring Meeting Announcement

March, 2024

Please join the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) for the convening of the spring meeting. Topics will include discussing metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) evidence review, a nomination to add Fabry, and a nomination to add Gaucher. This meeting will be held in-person and streamed online. The agenda for the meeting: NSAC Spring Meeting Agenda. 

If you are interested in providing a written or oral public comment, please email health.nsac@state.mn.us by April 1st.

Location: Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104 | Auditoriums A & B & Streamed online
Streaming: MS Teams Live
Date: April 15th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

If you have any questions please email health.nsac@state.mn.us.

Screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) started on 2/24/2025

February, 2025

The Minnesota Newborn Screening Program is pleased to announce that we have begun screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency.

DMD is a genetic disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting. It is the most common type of muscular dystrophy in children and usually affects boys. There is no cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but treatment can help slow the disease and improve quality of life.

GAMT deficiency is a genetic disease where the body doesn’t produce enough creatine, which is important for storing and using energy. GAMT deficiency affects many organs, but especially the brain and muscles. Early treatment can prevent and reduce symptoms associated with GAMT deficiency.

With the addition of these two conditions, we expect to identify 6-10 Minnesota infants a year who may benefit from early identification. We look forward to helping even more Minnesota children start life healthy!

More information about newborn screening for DMD and GAMT deficiency can be found on our new conditions webpage at Newborn Screening New Conditions

American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidelines on screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD)

January, 2025

The Newborn Screening Program is aware that the American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidelines on screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). These new guidelines include a suggested change in the CCHD screening algorithm. We are currently reviewing and discussing these new recommendations. Should the program choose to align with these new recommendations, extensive communication and outreach will be utilized to alert all birth care providers. Please contact Sondra Rosendahl at sondra.rosendahl@state.mn.us with any questions. The new guidelines can be found at:

Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease: A New Algorithm and Other Updated Recommendations: Clinical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics        

Questions/Answers for the Request for Proposal: Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry Screening in Out-of-Hospital Births

November, 2024

• Question: Are there certain suppliers that you would recommend that midwives order from if they receive the grant funding?
  Answer: MDH Newborn Screening Program does not have any recommendations for equipment suppliers. Grant awardees can purchase equipment from their supplies of choice.
• Question: Are there any other materials or paperwork that need to be submitted? Do you need a cover letter? 
  Answer: No need to submit a cover letter. A completed submission includes application, newborn hearing work plan and/or pulse oximetry work plan, and conflict of interest disclosure. The score sheet is only for reference and is not required for submission.
• Question: I have 2 birth centers; can I apply for 2 oximeters and 2 hearing screeners? 
  Answer: Fill out and submit an application for each birth center.
• Question: If I get an oximeter and/or a hearing screen machine, will I own it? Do I pay fees to the state?
  Answer: Grant awardees will receive the funding to purchase their equipment, therefore the awardee will own the machine and no additional fees will be due.
• Question: Where do I find and print the application for newborn screening pulse ox/ hearing equipment grant for midwives?
  Answer: A printable version of the grant application and attachments can be printed from within the RFP on page 13. The printable PDFs are also listed here:
  • Grant Request for Proposal (RFP): Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry Screening in Out-of-Hospital Births (PDF)
  • Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry Screening in Out-of-Hospital Births Application (PDF)
  • Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry Screening in Out-of-Hospital Births Application Checklist (PDF)
  • Minnesota Department of Health Applicant Conflict of Interest Disclosure (PDF)
  • Work Plan: Newborn Hearing Screening Equipment (PDF)
  • Work Plan: Newborn Pulse Oximetry Screening Equipment (PDF)
• Question: What is the difference between RFP Title and the MDH Grant Program Name?
  Answer:
  • RFP Title: Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry Screening in Out-of-Hospital Births
  • MDH Grant Program Name: Minnesota Newborn Screening Program

Metachromatic leukodystrophy not recommended for addition to Minnesota's newborn screening panel

October, 2024

On October 8th, Minnesota's Advisory Committee on Heritable and Congenital Disorders recommended not to add metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) to Minnesota’s newborn screening panel.

MLD is a genetic condition that affects the brain and nervous system. Those with MLD experience a decline in motor and intellectual functions that become worse over time. Symptoms vary, but can include difficulty talking, seizures, difficulty walking, personality changes, and behavior and personality changes. There are multiple forms of the condition, and the most severe form leads to death in early childhood.

A formal letter will be sent to the nominators, informing them of the committee’s decision and including key points from the discussion and evidence review.

The committee also passed a motion to reconvene the evidence review committee for MLD and have a summary of new evidence presented at the April 2025 Advisory Committee on Heritable and Congenital Disorders meeting.

Although the nomination for MLD isn’t moving forward at this time, we will be watching for more information and work with the evidence review committee to review any new information regarding universal newborn screening for MLD. It is also under a full evidence review at the federal level and a vote is expected by the Advisory Committee on Heritable Diseases in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC) at their May 2025 meeting.

We appreciate the information and stories shared by parents, providers, and advocates with the committee. The science continues to develop on this condition and questions or unknown information that exist today may one day be available so Minnesota is better equipped to move forward with screening for MLD. 

Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry on Out-of-Hospital Births

September, 2024

The purpose of this funding is for midwives practicing in the state of Minnesota to purchase portable hearing and/or pulse oximetry screening equipment that may be used in the home or out-of-hospital birth sites. The goal is to increase access to hearing screening before 1 month of age and pulse oximetry screening at 24 hours of age. See the Grant Request for Proposal (PDF) for information on submitting a grant application.

The application’s due date is no later than Friday, November 29, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

Any questions about the application can be submitted to health.newbornscreening@state.mn.us no later than Monday, November 25, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Answers will be posted on the Newborn Screening Announcements page.

NSAC Fall Meeting Announcement

September, 2024

Please join the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) for the convening of the fall meeting. This meeting will be held in-person and streamed online. The agenda for the meeting: NSAC Fall Meeting Agenda (PDF).

You can register at: NSAC Fall Meeting Registration. 

Location: Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104 | Auditoriums A & B & Streamed online
Date: October 8th, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

If you have any questions about the registration process, please email health.nsac@state.mn.us. 
 

NSAC Spring Meeting Announcement

March, 2024

The fall meeting for the Advisory Committee on Heritable and Congenital Disorders (also known as the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee) will be held Tuesday, April 23th, 2024, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. CDT at the Minnesota Humanities Center. The agenda for this meeting can be found at NSAC April 23 Meeting Agenda (PDF). If you are interested in providing a written or oral public comment, please email health.nsac@state.mn.us by April 12th. This meeting will be streamed to the public via Teams Live. You can join via this link: NSAC Meeting Link via Microsoft Teams Live. If you plan on attending the meeting in person, please RSVP at Registration for April Newborn Screening Advisory Committee Meeting.

Date/time: April 23th, 2024 | 1:00-4:00 p.m. CDT
Streaming: MS Teams live
Location:    Minnesota Humanities Center
                       The Commons
                       987 Ivy Ave E
                       St. Paul, MN 55106

Krabbe Disease Screening Has Started

February, 2024

Minnesota’s Newborn Screening Program began universal screening for Krabbe disease on February 26, 2024. All babies born in Minnesota will now be screened for the disease unless their parents opt out of newborn screening.

Krabbe disease is a rare, genetic condition in which the newborn cannot fully break down certain fats. These fats build up in the body and can lead to damage to the nerves affecting a person’s ability to eat, walk, and speak. In the most severe form, infantile Krabbe disease, symptoms can progress to death within the first two years of life.  

There is no cure for Krabbe disease, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Currently, the only treatment for infantile Krabbe disease is a stem cell transplant, which is ideally performed before a baby is 30 days old. Due to the importance of early treatment, the process from screening to diagnostic exams and treatment must move quickly.

Identifying infantile Krabbe disease in newborns allows families to receive early diagnosis and monitoring, education, and appropriate medical care.  

The formal news release with additional information can be found on the MDH 2024 News Release page. 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Added to Minnesota Newborn Screening Panel

January, 2024

​The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will add Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to the list of conditions for which Minnesota newborns are routinely screened. Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham approved the addition of DMD to the Newborn Screening Program following a recommendation by the state's advisory committee.  

DMD is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition which gradually makes the body’s muscles weaker. Muscle weakness is first noticed in legs and arms, eventually leading to loss of mobility and weakness of internal muscles needed for breathing. It is extremely rare for females to have DMD, but they can be carriers. The life expectancy for males with this condition is around 20 years of age.  

​Screening for DMD among newborns allows families and medical specialists to tailor care, such as physical therapy, based on approved treatments available for children at certain ages. Disease-modifying treatments during the newborn period are available for 30% of affected newborns. Treatments are not curative, but symptoms and muscle breakdown are less severe.  

Based on the birth rate in Minnesota, it is estimated that nine newborns will be detected each year and receive early treatment and intervention.  

Commissioner Cunningham signed the order on Jan. 19 directing the department’s Newborn Screening Program to begin the steps needed to implement DMD screening. This includes validating a test method, developing result and follow-up protocols, and working with external partners to establish clinical guidelines. Please be patient as we work towards implementation, which may take some time. We will continue to communicate with you regarding our progress as we learn more.

Thank you advisory committee and workgroup members for your time and expertise during the review process. Thank you to providers, parents, and advocates for bringing these conditions forward to the advisory committee; future generations of Minnesota’s children and families will be healthier thanks to your work.

The formal news release with additional information can be found at MDH 2024 News Releases. 

Advisory Committee Recommends Addition of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to Newborn Screening Panel

October, 2023

Minnesota's Advisory Committee on Heritable and Congenital Disorders has recommended the addition of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to Minnesota's newborn screening panel. DMD is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder which gradually makes the body’s muscles weaker.

This recommendation and the reason(s) for the decision will be provided to the Commissioner of Health for her final determination.

Thank you to all the parents, providers, and advocates who shared their stories with the committee during the condition review process, we value your input and experiences. Thank you to our specialists and advisory committee members for their time, dedication, and thoughtful consideration during the review process and vote.

Additional information will be shared on the Newborn Screening website as it becomes available.

NSAC Fall Meeting Announcement

The fall meeting for the Advisory Committee on Heritable and Congenital Disorders (also known as the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee) will be held Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. CDT at the Minnesota Humanities Center. The agenda for this meeting can be found here NSAC Oct 24th Meeting Agenda (PDF). If you are interested in providing a written or oral public comment, please email health.nsac@state.mn.us by October 13th. This meeting will be streamed to the public via Teams Live. You can join via this link: NSAC Meeting Link via Microsoft Teams Live.

Date/time: October 24, 2023 | 1:00-4:00 p.m. CDT
Streaming: MS Teams live
Location:    Minnesota Humanities Center
                        The Commons
                        987 Ivy Ave E
                        St. Paul, MN 55106

Three additional conditions approved for Newborn Screening in Minnesota

August, 2023

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham has approved the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee’s recommendation to add guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency, Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II), and Krabbe disease to the list of conditions for which Minnesota newborns are routinely screened.

Earlier this week, Commissioner Cunningham directed the Newborn Screening program to begin the steps needed to implement newborn screening for guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency, Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II), and Krabbe disease.

Thank you advisory committee and workgroup members for your time and expertise during the review process. Thank you to providers, parents, and advocates for bringing cCMV forward to the advisory committee; future generations of Minnesota’s children and families will be healthier thanks to your work.

The formal news release with additional information is available through the MDH 2023 News Releases page or via this direct link Three Additional Conditions Approved for Newborn Screening in Minnesota.

Possible UPS strike on August 1 and Newborn Screening specimens

July, 2023

With the possibility of a UPS strike beginning on August 1, 2023, we wanted to inform you that we are working with UPS to ensure that we continue to receive newborn screening specimens from our submitters in a timely manner. UPS has assured us they have a plan in place and service will continue as usual, though it may be a little slower.

For those of you that use UPS to send us your specimens, there are some things you can do:

• You can order UPS Medical Envelopes (item number 010196122), which may facilitate more timely transport to the MDH Public Health Laboratory.
• Be diligent about keeping track of which baby’s specimen card go with each UPS tracking number.
• Request email notifications of when the envelope is picked up from your location and again when they are delivered to the MDH Public Health Laboratory.
  • This can be found in section 4 when setting up your shipping label.
• If you are shipping specimens on a Friday, please be sure that the “Deliver on Saturday” box is checked.
• Your timeliness when collecting specimens will be very important, please remember to collect specimens between 24-48 hours after birth. There are some exceptions; you can call our program genetic counselors at 651-201-3548 with any collection questions.
• Multiple newborn screening specimens may be sent together; however, a shipment should never be delayed or “batched” to wait for additional specimens.
• Additionally, newborn screening specimens should never be placed in the same container as other specimen types traveling to the Public Health Laboratory.

In the event of a UPS strike, please make sure this message is shared with all who submit newborn screening specimens. UPS and the Teamsters Union have until July 31, 2023 to come to an agreement and avert a strike.

If you or your staff have questions or concerns about specimen shipping, you can email us at Health.NewbornScreening@state.mn.us or call our general line at 651-201-5466 or toll-free at 800-664-7772.

Newborn Screening Advisory Committee meeting June 6th, 2023

May, 2023

The Minnesota Advisory Committee on Heritable and Congenital Disorders will hold their next committee meeting on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 1-3 pm CDT.

The committee will be reviewing three nominated conditions and discuss their readiness for screening here in Minnesota. Please see Newborn Screening Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda (PDF) for the full agenda.

The meeting will be virtual using Microsoft Teams. You do not need any special software to join this meeting, but using a Chrome or Edge browser is recommended for best experience.

Please visit our webpage for more information about this committee Newborn Screening Program Information: NSAC Committee.

Updated Parental Refusal or Delay of Newborn Screening

April, 2023

The Newborn Screening Program has updated the Parental Refusal or Delay of Newborn Screening form (PDF).  Key changes include:

• A designated spot to adhere a patient label.
• An option to document parental choice to delay screening.
  • Form includes space to indicate where (or by whom) the screen will be completed.
  • All delayed screening should be completed within one week of age.
• Check box added in case parent(s) or guardian(s) refuse to sign the Parental Refusal or Delay of Newborn Screening.
• Witness information to be completed by hospital staff.
• Improved instructions on how to process/handle the signed Parental Refusal or Delay of Newborn Screening.
• The Parental Refusal or Delay of Newborn Screening form (PDF) is available as a fillable pdf on the Newborn Screening website.

MDH staff hope that these improvements will lead to better documentation of the situations when parents opt to decline or delay newborn screening. Please reach out to Amy Dahle at 651-201-5459 or Amy.Dahle@state.mn.us with any questions.

Now screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)

February, 2023

The Minnesota Newborn Screening Program is pleased to announce that earlier this week we began screening for congenital cytomegalovirus. Congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common viral infection in newborns. It occurs when the infection is passed from a pregnant person to their unborn baby and can cause a range of problems, including hearing loss. Officials estimate that up to 300 babies out of 65,000 born each year in Minnesota will have cCMV.

Pilot studies suggest that most babies with cCMV have no symptoms of the disease at birth and are not expected to develop symptoms. However, about 20% of babies diagnosed with cCMV will have symptoms either at birth or later in childhood.

Symptoms at birth may include hearing loss, but a small portion of babies will also have other signs of disease such as a very small head, a smaller body than expected for age, skin rash, yellowing of skin and whites of eyes (jaundice), and/or enlarged liver and spleen. These children are also at risk for intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, vision loss and other health problems.

Of that 20%, about half will have permanent hearing loss as the only symptom of the disease. The hearing loss may be present at birth or show up later in childhood. For this reason, it is important that children with cCMV have regular hearing exams even if no other symptoms are present at birth.

Screening for cCMV helps identify infants at risk for hearing loss and who may benefit from follow-up monitoring and early access to interventions such as sign language, hearing aids and cochlear implants. Newborn screening cannot predict if a baby will have symptoms, which is why additional testing is important for children with cCMV. Follow-up urine testing within 21 days will determine whether the baby was infected with cytomegalovirus at birth. If cytomegalovirus is found in the baby’s urine, more testing will be recommended to look for symptoms of the disease.

Screening for cCMV uses a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) screening method to identify CMV DNA in dried blood spots. Research by the University of Minnesota and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed it was feasible to use dried blood spots to screen for cCMV. Most studies or tests for cCMV have used saliva or urine.

For more information about CMV:

Newborn Screening and cCMV: Congenital Cytomegalovirus

CMV and cCMV: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV (cCMV)

Minnesota Department of Health cCMV Press Release