Newborn Screening Saved Hundreds of New York Infants in 2024

New York's Newborn Screening Program Is Among the Most Comprehensive in the Nation

In 2024, 671 Infants Were Diagnosed with a Condition on the Screening Panel

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 1, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health today highlighted the critical role newborn screening plays in detecting serious but treatable conditions in infants.

"Newborn screening is one of the most important tools we have to protect children's health from the very beginning," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "By identifying conditions early, we can ensure babies receive the specialized care they need to grow and thrive."

Each year, more than 205,000 babies born in New York State are screened shortly after birth for over 50 rare but serious conditions, including metabolic and endocrine disorders, hemoglobinopathies, infectious disease, and other genetic disorders. When detected early, these conditions can be treated to prevent serious illness, developmental delays, or even death.

In 2024, 671 infants were confirmed to have one of the conditions on the screening panel.

Since launching in 1965, New York State's Newborn Screening Program has tested more than 10 million infants. Early detection and treatment have saved countless lives and improved outcomes for thousands of children across the state.

The program remains a national leader in innovation, improving screening for conditions on the panel, performing pilot screening for new conditions, and expanding its screening panel to include newly recommended conditions. The Program also partners closely with hospitals, pediatricians, and families to provide follow-up testing, counseling, support services, and treatment as needed.

More information about the New York State Newborn Screening Program can be found here.