Colorado screens newborns through the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), covering the full RUSP core plus additional conditions. Colorado is a two-screen state, collecting a second specimen to improve detection.
Colorado newborn screening at a glance
- Conditions screened: about 39, plus newborn hearing and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening
- Program: Colorado Newborn Screening Program (CDPHE)
- Compared to the federal RUSP: screens the full RUSP core plus additions
- Official source: Colorado newborn screening program
What the Colorado panel covers
The panel covers PKU and other metabolic disorders, endocrine and hemoglobin conditions including sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, SCID, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), plus X-ALD and pulse-oximetry screening for CCHD.
Colorado screens for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), a condition that is not on the federal RUSP — an example of a state going beyond the national panel. Its two-specimen schedule also sets it apart from single-screen states.
Why the Colorado panel stops where it does
The size of Colorado’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 Colorado 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 Colorado screen for?
Colorado screens for about 39 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 Colorado program.
Is newborn screening required in Colorado?
Newborn screening is standard for every baby born in Colorado. Rules on declining vary, so check current guidance from the Colorado newborn screening program.
How do I get my baby’s Colorado results?
Results are sent to your baby’s healthcare provider. Ask your pediatrician, or contact the Colorado 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 Colorado Newborn Screening Program (CDPHE) (as of June 2026). Sources: Colorado newborn screening program; HRSA Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.