Texas expands newborn screening for rare genetic conditions

TEXAS, USA — The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced Wednesday that four additional tests for rare genetic conditions will be added to the state’s newborn screening program.

Health officials say the new tests target lysosomal storage disorders, bringing the total number of conditions screened at birth in Texas to 59. These inherited disorders happen when the body lacks specific enzymes needed to break down fats and sugars, leading to toxic buildup in organs and tissues.

Babies in Texas are screened twice — once between 24 and 48 hours after birth, and again when they are between 7 and 14 days old. Each year, the state tests around 800,000 specimens, identifying about 1,000 newborns with often life-threatening conditions.

In addition to blood screenings, newborns i