Louisiana screens newborns through the Department of Health’s Bureau of Family Health, covering most of the federal RUSP core along with hearing and CCHD screening. Its panel currently sits below the full 38-condition core.
Louisiana newborn screening at a glance
- Conditions screened: about 34, plus newborn hearing and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening
- Program: Louisiana Bureau of Family Health Newborn Screening
- Compared to the federal RUSP: screens most of the RUSP core
- Official source: Louisiana newborn screening program
What the Louisiana panel covers
The panel includes PKU and other metabolic disorders, endocrine and hemoglobin conditions such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), plus Pompe disease and MPS I.
Louisiana is one of the states whose count falls short of the full federal core, which makes supplemental screening especially relevant for families who want broader coverage.
Why the Louisiana panel stops where it does
The size of Louisiana’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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana screen for?
Louisiana screens for about 34 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 Louisiana program.
Is newborn screening required in Louisiana?
Newborn screening is standard for every baby born in Louisiana. Rules on declining vary, so check current guidance from the Louisiana newborn screening program.
How do I get my baby’s Louisiana results?
Results are sent to your baby’s healthcare provider. Ask your pediatrician, or contact the Louisiana 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 Louisiana Bureau of Family Health Newborn Screening (as of March 2026). Sources: Louisiana newborn screening program; HRSA Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.