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Expanded Newborn Screening

Many newborn screening tests are available to detect possible birth defects, disorders and other conditions that cannot be seen in the newborn but can cause physical problems, mental retardation and in some cases, even death. But laws and regulations on what tests are standard for newborns vary from hospital to hospital. Some hospitals test for as little as four disorders and some for as many as 30.

You can visit the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center website to find out what tests are required in your state. This site also lists commercial and nonprofit laboratories that provide comprehensive newborn screening for parents considering having their baby tested for more disorders than those screened for in their state.