My newsletter: Improving Newborn Screening to save tiny lives

My son's newborn screen heelstick

I am the Editor of a public health newsletter. This is one of my favorite work tasks. Today I have an extra reason for celebration, because the July issue marks our second year of publication.

The Laboratorian, July 2011

This issue focuses on ways that we are working to improve a program that I believe in strongly. Despite the recent controversy surrounding newborn screening, it saves so many tiny lives. I gained a lot of peace of mind from knowing that my son tested negative for the 28 disorders covered in our newborn screening tests.

The lead article features a link to a video that illustrates what happens when a child tests positive on the newborn screen. All of the disorders screened for are highly treatable. The catch: they must be diagnosed early.