“We’re proud that with this new initiative, we are protecting more Arizona children than ever before from illness and disease,” Gerard said.

Governor Janet Napolitano applauded the move. “This highlights our deep and unwavering commitment to ensure Arizona’s children get as healthy a start as possible,” she said.

New technology at the Arizona Department of Health Services’ State Health Laboratory makes it possible to scan a tiny blood sample from a newborn for more disorders than ever. Early detection gives these babies the best chance for thriving and surviving.

“Thanks to these advances, we can identify babies with these disorders and provide them with the help they need to grow and prosper,” Gerard, the Health Director, said.

Every baby born in Arizona is required to be screened for certain inherited disorders within the first weeks of life. A newborn can look healthy, but still have a serious disease that cannot be seen. If left untreated, these diseases can lead to slow growth, blindness, mental retardation, and possibly death. Early detection and treatment can help prevent these serious problems.

The Arizona Newborn Screening Program has tested Arizona babies for eight disorders. Under the expansion announced today, the number of disorders screened will grow to 28 over the next year.

Gerard said the consequences of not detecting these conditions early can be devastating. “Without early detection and intervention, newborns with one of these disorder may suffer profoundly,” she said, “and for some of the disorders, there is a risk of death.”

Since 1994, Arizona’s Newborn Screening Program, working with the Arizona State Health Laboratory, has tested more than 930,000 babies. As the population of Arizona has grown, so has the number of babies screened. The Lab receives about 800 specimens daily.

“Newborn screening is one of Arizona’s most important and effective public health programs,” Gerard said. “It truly is prevention in action.”

The Arizona Newborn Screening Program administers all newborn screening activities throughout the state. These activities include testing of specimens; coordination with consulting specialists, physicians, and hospitals; follow-up of abnormal test results; education of health professionals and the general public; and monitoring of data associated with testing, billing for tests, follow-up, and educational activities.