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Welcome! The BC Newborn Screening Program uses a simple blood test to identify babies who may have one of a number of treatable disorders. A newborn baby can look healthy but have one of these rare disorders.
If not treated, these disorders can cause:
- severe mental handicap
- growth problems
- sudden infant death
- other health problems
Early detection allows treatment that may prevent or greatly reduce these problems.
In British Columbia there are about 40 babies born each year (1 out of every 1,000) who are found to have one of these rare disorders.
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Screening may also identify babies who are carriers for some of these disorders.
This website provides information for families and health care professionals about newborn screening in British Columbia. The BC Newborn Screening Program is a service of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
What disorders are screened?
The program screens for 18 disorders. In October 2010, a 19th disorder (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) will be added. About 40,000 babies are screened each year. The expanded program expects to identify about 40 babies per year (one in 1,000) with one of the treatable disorders.
Where does the screening happen?
Blood is collected at all BC and Yukon hospitals where babies are delivered, and at a baby’s home if a home birth. Samples are sent to the Newborn Screening Lab at BC Children's Hospital for testing.
Thank you
The BC Newborn Screening Program is grateful for the generous gifts made to the program by Vic W. Griffin and the late Phyllis Olive Alberta Griffin.
Updated: December 8, 2009