Newborn Screening Programs

Newborn Screening is designed to provide parents with information about a blood test that is done shortly after birth. Babies in Maryland are tested for 51 rare diseases. Babies who are born with these diseases seem normal at birth. Most do not have a family history of these diseases. We test all babies to find the ones who may need treatment. If we find out about the disease early enough we can prevent serious problems.

It is important for parents to be familiar with Newborn Screening as they plan for the birth of their baby. Newborn Screening has two parts; bloodspot (metabolic disease screening) and hearing screening.

Newborn Bloodspot Screening

This program identifies and follows-up on newborn babies with any one of a large number (51) of rare and serious disorders of body chemistry. Maryland implemented “expanded” screening using tandem mass spectrometry in 2003 and added cystic fibrosis to the screening panel in 2006.  Maryland screens for all the disorders recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics. All babies are offered screening and the OGCSHCN provides follow-up for infants as well as counseling, health education and family support to affected families.

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening

A law was passed during the 1999 Maryland Legislative Session, mandating the establishment of the Universal Infant Hearing Screening Program within DHMH. This law requires that every baby born in a Maryland hospital must be screened for possible hearing loss effective July 1, 2000. OGCSHCN is responsible for administering this program, which identifies and follows-up on newborn babies screened for hearing impairment or at risk for developing hearing impairment.

The Genetics program also provides the following types of screening:

AFP/ Quadruple Marker Screening to detect neural tube defects, like spina bifida, and chromosomal abnormalities, like Down syndrome. AFP/ Quadruple Marker Screening is provided in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Site Links

Disease Descriptions Links for Parents
Newborn Screening Tests for Your Baby

Your Baby's First Test (Flash Video)