Screening Newborn Babies

Newborn babies in British Columbia will now be screened for more than three times as many disorders at birth that can be treated to avoid lifelong health issues, Premier Gordon Campbell announced on July 3. With a few drops of blood collected on a filter paper card, about 42,000 babies are screened each year. Approximately 20 children a year are identified with one of six treatable conditions. The additional screening is expected to benefit another 20 children a year.