Arizona screens newborns through the Department of Health Services State Laboratory, and state law (ARS 36-694) directs the program to align with the full federal RUSP core and secondary conditions. Arizona is a two-screen state, collecting a second specimen to catch conditions that may not appear on the first.
Arizona newborn screening at a glance
- Conditions screened: about 35, plus newborn hearing and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening
- Program: Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) State Laboratory
- Compared to the federal RUSP: screens the full RUSP core
- Official source: Arizona newborn screening program
What the Arizona panel covers
The bloodspot panel includes PKU and other metabolic disorders, endocrine and hemoglobin conditions such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, SCID, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), plus point-of-care hearing and CCHD checks. Recent additions include MPS II and GAMT deficiency.
The two-specimen protocol is Arizona’s defining feature: a first sample is taken in the first days of life and a second about one to two weeks later, improving detection of conditions that develop after birth.
Why the Arizona panel stops where it does
The size of Arizona’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 Arizona 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 Arizona screen for?
Arizona screens for about 35 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 Arizona program.
Is newborn screening required in Arizona?
Newborn screening is standard for every baby born in Arizona. Rules on declining vary, so check current guidance from the Arizona newborn screening program.
How do I get my baby’s Arizona results?
Results are sent to your baby’s healthcare provider. Ask your pediatrician, or contact the Arizona 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 Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) State Laboratory (as of 2026). Sources: Arizona newborn screening program; HRSA Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.