Genetic disorders include birth defects and inborn chemical problems your baby may be born with. Genetic disorders cannot be
cured. They can, however, be treated to reduce their effect on your child throughout his or her life.
Newborn screening is a blood test that can identify the most common genetic disorders. Babies can be tested shortly after
birth to discover and treat any problems as soon as possible.
Mississippi has one of the most comprehensive newborn screening programs in the nation.
State law now requires that all babies born in Mississippi be tested for forty genetic disorders.
Early screening is the only way to detect these disorders and prevent permanent
damage to your child. Early detection means that treatment can be started that will help your child lead a normal life.
Genetic counseling is offered to parents of children with genetic disorders. A doctor will explain what genetic disorders are, how genetic testing works,
and how to understand the results to help plan your child's future.
We test Mississippi newborns for 40 possible genetic disorders, including:
- Hypothyroidism (TSH) – a hormone deficiency that requires early treatment to avoid serious health effects.
It occurs in about one of 4,500 births.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) – an enzyme deficiency that can prevent proper brain development and requires a special diet.
PKU occurs in about 1 of 15,000 births.
- Galactosemia (GAL) – an enzyme deficiency that prevents milk from being processed by the body.
Unless a milk-free diet is followed as soon as the child is born, it can lead to organ damage and other serious medical problems.
GAL occurs in about 1 of every 50,000 births.
- Blood disorders – Sickle-cell anemia is one of a group of life-threatening blood disorders that must be treated early.
If the disease is detected early enough, treatment can help your child lead a nearly normal life.
- See our complete list of tests.
More Information
Contact MSDH
To learn more about Newborn Screening, or take advantage of genetic counseling, contact your local
health office, or:
- MSDH Genetic Services: 601-576-7619
- UMC Department of Preventive Medicine: 601-984-1900
