This year, the nation celebrates 50 years of Newborn Screening. A goal of Brian’s Hope is that the test for ALD will be added to the existing panel of the newborn screening tests, given to newborns here in CT. We are working with our legislators to make this happen. Our bill is Senate Bill 465, an Act Requiring Newborn Screening for Adrenoleukodystrophy. The bill has been referred to the Public Health Committee with a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 27, 2013.
What exactly is newborn screening?
Newborn screening is the routine practice of testing every baby (heel prick) prior to hospital discharge for certain harmful or potentially fatal conditions that are not otherwise apparent at birth. Newborn screening allows these babies to be identified and treated before they get sick, preventing serious health problems or even death. It is the largest and most successful health promotion and disease prevention system in the country and is perhaps the fastest, safest way to help protect your baby against certain diseases and medical conditions. Because of newborn screening more than 12,000 lives are saved or improved each year. To learn more about newborn screening, click here.
