Oregon Newborns Can Soon Get Free Screening for 800 Genetic Conditions in National Study
Oregon newborns will soon have the chance to participate in a national research study testing whether genome sequencing can safely expand the conditions detected through routine newborn screening.
National Newborn Genome-Screening Study
The BRIDGES-NBS study uses genome sequencing to look for about 800 genetic conditions that can affect babies during their first year of life, and for which early treatment or monitoring is available.
Newborn screening currently routinely checks for at least 30 to 40 serious, but treatable conditions.
Participating babies will not need an additional blood draw as the study uses the same dried blood spot sample collected through the usual newborn heel prick. Parents or legal guardians must provide informed consent, and participation is voluntary and free.
Results are expected when babies are approximately 2 to 3 months old, and researchers estimated that genetic health risks will be identified in approximately 3% to 5% of participating babies. Early identification could allow doctors to begin treatment or monitoring before symptoms develop or before a child’s first birthday.
Oregon Joins National Genome Sequencing Study
Oregon is one of seven states and territories participating in the nationwide genome sequencing study, which will enroll up to 30,000 newborns over two years. The other participating programs are in Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Texas.
The study examines whether genome sequencing could eventually change standard newborn screening, expanding testing from Oregon’s current panel of 46 conditions to more than 700 conditions for which early action may be possible.
Enrollment in Oregon will start through in-person outreach at PeaceHealth-Eugene and Oregon Health & Science University, while families elsewhere in the state will be able to learn about the study and self-enroll.
According to the Northwest Regional Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program and BRIDGES-NBS, research gleaned from the extra testing will complement rather than replace Oregon’s existing newborn screening services.