All newborns are screened for certain disorders prior to discharge from a birthing facility to prevent death or severe mental retardation. Since 1980, 3086 Florida newborns have been able to survive and avoid severe disability or death because of the newborn screening program. With each new screening for newborns more babies are able to receive treatment, but the job is not easy. Screenings yield false positives and negatives; each positive requires further tests. The quality of laboratories conducting tests and the quickness of results can make the difference between life and death. In addition, a family may need to be located so that their newborn can receive life-saving treatments. As screenings for additional disorders in newborns become available, states need to find the funds and develop professional expertise to implement expanded screening programs that will save lives and prevent disabilities.

Figure 30: Numbers of Florida Newborns Identified through Screening with Conditions That Could Cause Death or Disability Without Early Ongoing Treatment, 1980-2000

Source: Florida Department of Health Newborn Screening Program Note: The screening of all infants before leaving the hospital for hearing impairment was chosen as an indicator for newborn screening, because its implementation began in the Fall of 2000 after legislation was enacted.