Metabolic Treatment/Newborn Screening

New Jersey law mandates that every baby born in New Jersey be screened for certain disorders that can cause serious health problems. These disorders may be apparent at birth, but if left undetected and not treated early in life, can lead to problems that include mental retardation, disability, or even death.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services' Newborn Screening Program performs screening tests currently for 20 disorders on all newborns within 48 hours after birth. If the State laboratory detects the presence of any disorder, the State will notify the baby's health provider who is asked to confirm whether or not the newborn has the disorder.

The newborn's health provider may at this point consult with pediatric specialists, such as, medical geneticists, endocrinologists, hematologists, and pulmonologists depending on the disorder that is suspected.

In Northern New Jersey, the University Regional Newborn Screening Network is comprised of the medical consultants and specialists for the confirmation and follow up of the babies who have screened positive.

UMDNJ - University Regional Newborn Screening Network: Consultants and Specialists

Newborn Screening in New Jersey