The mission of the District of Columbia Newborn Screening Program is to detect, diagnose, and treat every newborn baby who tests positive for certain inherited genetic disorders. The vision of the Newborn Metabolic Screening Program in the District of Columbia is that all newborns are screened for metabolic disorders prior to hospital discharge. The Program’s purpose is to require all hospitals in the District of Columbia to screen for 40 inherited genetic disorders that are treatable by diet, vitamins and/or medication, or by anticipatory measures to prevent attacks.

The overall goal of the Program is to ensure that every infant born in the District is screened for 40 inherited genetic disorders and that infants identified with abnormal screening results receive timely and appropriate follow-up, to treat inherited diseases before the onset of clinical symptoms.

Services include:

• FREE (at birth) Newborn Screening Test (heel stick)
• Contact & Inform Parents & Healthcare Providers
• Counseling and Education
• Clinical Evaluation and Management
• Referrals to Treatment Centers
• Follow-up Services