Newborn Screening
Montana offers comprehensive newborn screening programs to ensure early detection and intervention for various health conditions in infants. These programs are administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and include metabolic (bloodspot) screening, hearing screening, and critical congenital heart disease screening.
Montana Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program
The Montana Newborn Screening Program aims to identify rare but serious health conditions in newborns that may not be apparent at birth. A few drops of blood are collected from the baby's heel 24 to 48 hours after birth and tested for over 30 metabolic and genetic disorders, including phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism, and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD).
Early detection through this screening allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent severe health issues or even death. The cost of the screening is $150.50, which is covered by Medicaid for eligible families.
Contact Information
Phone: (406) 444-3040
Email: jlee@mt.gov
Montana Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program
Montana's Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program ensures that all newborns are screened for hearing loss before hospital discharge or within one month of birth. The screening uses non-invasive methods such as otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests.
If a newborn fails the initial screening, a follow-up audiologic assessment is conducted by three months of age to confirm any hearing loss and initiate early intervention services.
Contact Information
Phone: (406) 444-1216
Email: abell@mt.gov
By participating in these screening programs, Montana families can ensure early detection and treatment of conditions that could impact their child's health and development.
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