Newborn screening checks every baby for a set of serious but treatable conditions in the first days of life, long before symptoms appear. It happens three ways: a blood spot taken from a heel prick, a hearing test, and a pulse-oximetry check for critical congenital heart disease.
The standard blood-spot panel (the RUSP)
Most of what newborn screening tests for comes from the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), which currently includes 38 core conditions and 26 secondary conditions. States use it as a guide but each sets its own list, so the exact number varies. See the Newborn Screening Guide for what your state covers.
The main categories
- Metabolic disorders — such as PKU, MSUD, MCAD deficiency, and galactosemia
- Endocrine disorders — such as congenital hypothyroidism and CAH
- Hemoglobin disorders — such as sickle cell disease
- Other conditions — cystic fibrosis, SCID, and SMA
Beyond the blood spot
Two checks are done before your baby leaves the hospital: a hearing screen and a pulse-oximetry test that looks for critical congenital heart disease.
What standard screening does not test for
The standard panel is a fixed list of mostly metabolic, endocrine, and blood conditions. Its size is limited by budget and process, not by technology, so hundreds of other rare but treatable genetic conditions are not on any state panel. Fore Genomics’ at-home cheek-swab screen assesses the genes tied to more than 1,000 clinically actionable childhood conditions, with results supported by genetic counselors. See how it works or start screening.
Frequently asked questions
How many conditions does newborn screening test for?
The federal RUSP lists 38 core and 26 secondary conditions. States vary, typically screening somewhere between about 30 and 80 conditions.
Does newborn screening test for autism?
No. Standard newborn screening targets specific treatable medical conditions and does not screen for autism or most developmental conditions.
Medically reviewed by Fore’s Clinical Team. This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Sources: HRSA Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.