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What is Newborn Screening?

Newborn screening (NBS) is a group of tests done shortly after a baby is born. These tests check for serious health problems that may not be easy to see at first. If these problems are not found and treated early, they can cause serious health issues, delays in learning and growing, or even death. Early detection helps doctors start treatment right away. This can help your baby stay healthier in the future. Each year, newborn screening helps find treatable conditions in about 15,000 babies in the U.S. In South Carolina, newborn screening is required by law under SC Code of Laws Title 44. 

Newborn Screening Consists of 3 Main Tests:

  • A health care provider pricks the newborn’s heel to collect a few drops of blood. Blood spots are collected 24-48 hours after the baby is born.
  • The blood is placed on a special filter paper card and sent to the South Carolina Public Health Laboratory (SC PHL) for analysis.
  • The SC PHL screens for organic acid, fatty acid oxidation, amino acid, endocrine, hemoglobin and lysosomal storage disorders, plus others (e.g., phenylketonuria-PKU, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis). A complete list of conditions screened for by the PHL can be found in the Introduction to the Newborn Screening Manual.

  • The hearing test is performed using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): a tiny earphone plays soft sounds while a microphone measures the ear’s response.
  • The test is painless, non-invasive, and takes just a few minutes.
  • Hearing tests can be performed while the baby is sleeping.  

  • The pulse oximetry screening is performed by placing a small sensor on the baby’s hand and foot to measure oxygen levels in the blood.
  • Low oxygen levels may indicate a heart condition, requiring further tests.

NBS History

Newborn screening in the U.S. began in 1962 with Dr. Robert Guthrie, a scientist who developed a simple blood test to detect phenylketonuria (PKU)—a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disabilities if left untreated. This breakthrough led to the first state-mandated newborn screening programs.

How Does South Carolina Decide What Conditions to Screen For?

In South Carolina, the addition of new conditions has traditionally followed the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), guided by input from the South Carolina Newborn Screening Advisory Committee.  

South Carolina Newborn Screening Advisory Committee  

The South Carolina Newborn Screening Advisory Committee meets four times per year and is open to the public. All meetings are held virtually to encourage participation. The committee includes a diverse group of medical professionals, specialists, laboratory and newborn screening staff, and family representatives. These meetings play a vital role in advising the South Carolina Newborn Screening Program on conditions to include on the screening panel.

For additional information or to join the meetings, please email NBSQI@dph.sc.gov.

Meeting Dates and Agendas 

Please note that future meeting dates and details are subject to change.  

  • Aug. 12, 2025, 3 - 5 p.m. ET
  • Nov. 18, 2025, 3 - 5 p.m. ET

Resources

  • Baby’s First Test: The most comprehensive source for information about newborn screening in the U.S. Includes condition details, state-specific screening info, and family stories.
  • CDC - Newborn Screening: Public health guidance and education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Great for understanding the science behind screening.
  • ACMG - American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics: Professional guidance and medical information on genetic testing and newborn screening practices from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.
  • HRSA - Heritable Disorders: Learn about national policies and the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
  • HRSA - About Newborn Screening: This Health Resources & Services Administration page explains the essentials of Newborn Screening (NBS) in the U.S.
  • Expecting Health works collectively with organizations, health care professionals, people, and communities to provide the right information at the right time - from planning a pregnancy to early infant care.