Newborn Screening

All babies born in Tennessee are required to be screened for metabolic conditions, hearing, and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) by the birthing facility. All abnormal or unsatisfactory newborn screening test results are sent to the follow-up program staff for action. Providers are contacted and referrals are made to tertiary centers across the state for confirmation testing, counseling, and long-term follow-up. If these disorders are not detected and treated early, they can cause severe disabilities and even death. Over the years, the program has grown to screen for 71 disorders.