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News & Updates

Find out about program updates, news features, and families helped by newborn screening.

 

What is the purpose of newborn screening?

All conditions detected by newborn screening can negatively impact an infant’s physical and mental development. The screening tests detect metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, pulmonary, and other conditions. Babies born with one of these conditions can appear healthy, and there may be no known family history of one of the conditions screened for. Early diagnosis, along with timely and appropriate treatment, can be the difference between healthy development and life-threatening problems.

 

Testing for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

The Florida Department of Health, Newborn Screening (NBS) Program, is pleased to announce that beginning April 27, 2020, all newborns screened will be tested for a new condition, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). If you have any questions, please contact the