TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health is highlighting more than 60 years of universal newborn screening in the state as it recognizes National Newborn Screening Awareness Month and Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month in September.
Newborns in New Jersey are typically screened within the first 24 to 48 hours for 61 genetic, metabolic, hormonal and functional disorders that can cause serious health problems, including developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, long-term health complications and death.
Samples are tested at the state’s Public Health and Environmental Laboratories.
“Newborn screening is a powerful tool that helps protect thousands of infants born in New Jersey each year,” says Dr. Raynard Washingon, New Jersey Health Commissioner. “Early detection gives healthcare providers the chance to start life-changing treatments before symptoms begin to surface and connect families to supportive services. Actions taken early on can give families the best possible health outcomes.”
Of the nearly 98,000 infants born in New Jersey each year, 1 in 350 is diagnosed with a condition included on the newborn screening panel, according to the Department of Health. Several more are identified as carriers, which can provide information for future family planning.
New Jersey was one of the first states to implement newborn bloodspot screening and was the first in the nation to mandate screening for critical congenital heart defects through pulse oximetry. The state’s bloodspot screening panel has expanded from 52 disorders in 2012 to 61 disorders.
The standard newborn screening process generally includes hearing, pulse oximetry and dried bloodspot screenings.
Hearing screenings are conducted before an infant leaves a birthing facility or by 1 month of age. If follow-up is needed, newborns should receive a diagnostic evaluation by 3 months and early intervention services by 6 months if hearing loss is diagnosed.
Pulse oximetry measures a baby’s oxygen levels using a small device attached to the hand or foot and can help identify critical congenital heart defects.
For dried bloodspot screening, several drops of blood are collected from a baby’s heel within 24 to 48 hours of birth and tested for 61 disorders. Among the conditions most often identified are congenital hypothyroidism, sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis.
Bloodspot samples are submitted to the Newborn Screening Laboratory at the state’s Public Health and Environmental Laboratories. Normal reports are returned to the birthing facility, while abnormal results are communicated to the health care provider and facility by the Newborn Screening Follow-Up team.
Each year, the team connects more than 1,100 babies with critically abnormal screening results to health care providers and specialists within three hours. More than 200 newborns annually are also connected with specialists and County Case Management Services for assistance navigating medical, financial and community resources.
The department is also highlighting its Sickle Cell Disease Pilot Program during National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The three-year program, running from 2024 through 2027, received more than $10 million to support Federally Qualified Health Centers in selected New Jersey municipalities.
The program supports seven health centers in expanding sickle cell disease services. More than 1,500 adults have been screened and educated about sickle cell trait, while 200 community outreach events have reached an estimated 26,000 people.
The Department of Health is also recognizing the work of its Public Health and Environmental Laboratories, which process more than 150,000 samples annually and conduct testing related to mosquito-borne diseases, medicinal marijuana, sexually transmitted diseases, biothreat and chemical threat agents, and waterborne and foodborne diseases.
“Laboratories are the backbone of public health efforts that keep New Jerseyans safe and healthy,” adds Dr. Washington. “Every day, scientists, technicians, and staff work behind the scenes to test, monitor, and investigating threats – from foodborne illness and disease outbreaks to mosquitos and water quality. Their expertise helps prevent disease, detect health emerging health threats, and guides informed response. Their work saves lives every day.”
The laboratories also provide testing and services for the New Jersey departments of Health, Environmental Protection and Agriculture.
