About Us

The California Newborn Screening (NBS) Program is a public health program that screens all babies for many serious but treatable genetic disorders. All babies born in California are required to get screened soon after birth.

Newborn screening began in California in 1966 with screening for one disorder, phenylketonuria (PKU). The NBS Program has expanded and now includes 80 different disorders that are either genetic (passed down through families) or congenital (present at birth). The goal of the program is to identify babies with these disorders early, so that treatment can be started right away.

The content within these pages is meant to be informational, and should not replace the care provided by your baby's health care provider. Make sure to talk to your baby's health care provider if you have any questions about your baby's health or your family history.