Newborn Screening

Newborn screening is the practice of testing newborn babies for certain harmful or potentially fatal disorders. Rhode Island law (23-13-13, 23-13-14) requires that all birthing hospitals in Rhode screen every baby for 29 conditions, including hearing loss. All babies are tested, because babies with these disorders often appear healthy at birth. Serious problems, including mental retardation and death, can be prevented if the disorders are discovered early.

What You Should Do

• Learn about newborn blood screening and conditions tested. (more)
• Learn about newborn hearing screening. (more)

What We Are Doing

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Program works to screen all newborns in Rhode Island for metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, hearing, and developmental risk factors to identify risks at the earliest possible point. (more)