Idaho adopts new newborn screening test

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has adopted a new test as part of its panel of required newborn screenings starting July 1.

Medical providers will begin to screen all newborns for critical congenital heart disease. According to the department, congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect. They include a collection of defects that are present at birth and involve structural problems of the heart or problems with blood flow to the heart.

The defects account for up to 30 percent of infant deaths caused by birth defects. In Idaho, an estimated 55 babies are born each year with critical congenital heart disease.

But health officials said some babies born with critical heart disease may appear healthy at first and could be sent home before the defect is detected.

“Newborn screening helps give babies the best start in life,” said Jacquie Watson, Maternal and Child Health Section Manager in the Division of Public Health. “Early identification and treatment of these serious heart defects means that more babies will live to celebrate their first birthdays and will continue to thrive as they reach other important milestones.”

In other states, adoption of the mandatory screening has been linked to a 33 percent decline in infant deaths caused by critical congenital heart defect.

Idaho currently requires newborns be screened for 48 harmful or potentially fatal conditions. Other screenings include tests for PKU, cystic fibrosis, and congenital hypothyroidism.

47 of the 48 tests use just a few drops of blood. The screening for critical congenital heart disease uses an assessment called pulse oximetry, which measures oxygen saturation in a baby’s blood from 24 to 48 hours after delivery.

You can find more information about the state’s Newborn Screening Program here.