Alaska runs its newborn bloodspot program through the Department of Health, but sends specimens to the Northwest Regional Newborn Screening program lab in Oregon for analysis — a common arrangement for states with smaller birth volumes. The arrangement gives Alaska families access to a broad, high-throughput panel without operating a standalone state lab.
Alaska newborn screening at a glance
- Conditions screened: about 50, plus newborn hearing and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening
- Program: Alaska Department of Health
- Compared to the federal RUSP: screens the federal core panel
- Official source: Alaska newborn screening program
What the Alaska panel covers
The panel covers the federal core: metabolic disorders such as PKU, endocrine and hemoglobin disorders including sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, SCID, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening at the bedside.
Alaska is unusual in adding CPT1A screening for a variant that is far more common in Alaska Native populations, an example of a state tailoring its panel to local genetics. Because the analysis is contracted to Oregon, Alaska does not publish its own single condition count.
Why the Alaska panel stops where it does
The size of Alaska’s panel is not a limit of technology. Every condition on a state panel has to clear evidence review, secure ongoing funding, and be formally adopted, which is why recent additions took years of work. Many treatable, childhood-onset conditions that today’s sequencing can already detect simply have not moved through that public-health pipeline yet.
How Fore extends newborn screening
Fore Genomics offers an at-home genetic screen that uses a simple cheek swab to look at the genes tied to more than 1,000 clinically actionable, childhood-onset conditions — well beyond any state panel. Samples are sequenced in CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited labs, and results are delivered with support from board-certified genetic counselors. It does not replace the Alaska state screen; it extends it, using technology available today rather than waiting for the public program to expand. Compare all 50 states, read what newborn screening tests for, or start screening.
Frequently asked questions
How many conditions does Alaska screen for?
Alaska screens for about 50 through its bloodspot panel and point-of-care checks. Counts are approximate and change as the state updates its panel, so confirm current details with the Alaska program.
Is newborn screening required in Alaska?
Newborn screening is standard for every baby born in Alaska. Rules on declining vary, so check current guidance from the Alaska newborn screening program.
How do I get my baby’s Alaska results?
Results are sent to your baby’s healthcare provider. Ask your pediatrician, or contact the Alaska newborn screening program for a copy.
Medically reviewed by Fore’s Clinical Team. This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. State screening panels change; confirm current details with the Alaska Department of Health (as of March 2026). Sources: Alaska newborn screening program; HRSA Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.