The Newborn Screening Program (NBS) at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) currently detects over 50 rare genetic conditions early in a child’s life. The DSHS Newborn Screening Laboratory is one of the largest in the world and analyzes blood samples from every Texas newborn (approximately 380,000 babies each year). If a result is abnormal, NBS notifies medical providers immediately. Nurses and public health and prevention specialists (PHPS) work diligently to confirm babies receive follow-up care. They recommend next steps and/or more testing to help clear or diagnose a baby.

Genetics is one of the fastest moving fields in medicine and Texas continues to be a leader by adding new genetic screens. Finding genetic abnormalities early is critical. It can prevent serious complications or even early death. Newborn screening conditions can affect an entire family. Because most newborn screening conditions are inherited, family members often pursue additional genetic evaluations. Genetics testing helps determine if a family member could pass down or be affected by a condition in the future.

Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant partially funds NBS efforts in Texas, and MCH works closely with NBS to collaborate on emerging issues and programming or educational needs. There are countless Texas success stories about lives saved from NBS efforts and the dedicated staff who assisted the newborns and their families. Many babies owe their lives to the newborn screening system. Texas DSHS and NBS will continue to improve awareness of genetic conditions and highlight the importance of these early newborn screens.