HRSA Selects APHL to Convene National Newborn Screening Stakeholder Workgroup

Newborn screening—recognized as the largest and most successful disease prevention system in the US—is the practice of testing every newborn for certain harmful or potentially fatal conditions that are not otherwise apparent at birth. Many of the disorders screened for are considered time-critical so early detection is crucial to prevent death or a lifetime of severe health problems. Public health laboratories screen nearly 4 million newborns born in the US each year, follow up on actionable results and refer infants to clinical care for diagnosis and treatment as necessary. They play a vital role in ensuring that every newborn’s health is protected with timely, accurate screening. 

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the US and globally. APHL’s member laboratories protect the public’s health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns and other diverse health threats. Learn more at www.aphl.org .