Newborn Genetic Screening

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The purpose of newborn genetic screening is to screen newborns for potential health concerns. Newborn genetic screening started in 1965 with the testing of one disorder, phenylketonuria (WDHS). Since then, newborn genetic screening has evolved and over 4 million newborns are screened in the U.S. every year (CCHC Report). Currently, in the state of Wisconsin, there are 47 different disorders that are tested for (WDHS). The process of screening newborns is a relatively short procedure. Before a newborn leaves the hospital a nurse pricks its heel and takes a few drops of blood and deposits it on a special test paper. The paper is then sent to a lab where technicians look for disorders in their genes. Wisconsin law (statues chapter 253.13) “requires that all babies born in hospitals in Wisconsin have newborn screening before they leave the hospital.” The screening costs $69.50 but is covered by most health insurances, if it’s not covered it is encouraged that contact is made with the Newborn Screening Coordinator at the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. However, $69.50 may be the price to pay for the peace of mind knowing that your baby is healthy. Sickle cell anemia is present in one out of every two African Americans (google health). Sickle cell anemia is passed down through families and makes red blood cells form in a crescent shape. However, red blood cells are normally a disc shape. This is a very painful disorder that requires ongoing treatment and without treatment life expectancy of the patient is dramatically decreased. With newborn genetic screening it’s possible to catch this disorder early in life and ensure the proper treatments that could save the newborns life. Discovering a hereditary disorder like sickle cell... ... middle of paper ... ...enetics.utah.edu/content/health/ngs/> • "Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program Newborn Screening." Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 07 10 2009. Web. 20 Feb 2010. . • "Sickle Cell Anemia ." Google Health. Google , Web. 20 Feb 2010. https://health.google.com/health/ref/Sickle+cell+anemia • "Newborn Genetic Screening Mandate." Citizens Council on Healthcare . Web. 20 Feb 2010. . • Brase, Twila. "NEWBORN GENETIC SCREENING." Citizens Council on Healthcare . Web. 21 Feb 2010. . • "Genetic Counseling." genomics.energy.gov. 29 11 2008. Web. 21 Feb 2010. .

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