Mississippi screens newborns through the State Department of Health’s Genetic Services, covering the full RUSP core plus its 26 secondary conditions for roughly 61 disorders in total.
Mississippi newborn screening at a glance
- Conditions screened: about 61, plus newborn hearing and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening
- Program: Mississippi State Department of Health, Genetic Services
- Compared to the federal RUSP: screens the full RUSP (35 core + 26 secondary)
- Official source: Mississippi newborn screening program
What the Mississippi 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 a strong set of lysosomal disorders — Krabbe, Pompe, MPS I and II, and X-ALD.
Mississippi’s lysosomal disorder coverage is notably broad for a program of its size; the panel was last reviewed in March 2025.
Why the Mississippi panel stops where it does
The size of Mississippi’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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi screen for?
Mississippi screens for about 61 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 Mississippi program.
Is newborn screening required in Mississippi?
Newborn screening is standard for every baby born in Mississippi. Rules on declining vary, so check current guidance from the Mississippi newborn screening program.
How do I get my baby’s Mississippi results?
Results are sent to your baby’s healthcare provider. Ask your pediatrician, or contact the Mississippi 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 Mississippi State Department of Health, Genetic Services (as of March 2025). Sources: Mississippi newborn screening program; HRSA Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.