Newborn Screening Explained: How a Few Drops Save Lives

Newborn Screening Explained: How a Few Drops Save Lives

From Pediatrics Now for Parents by pediatricsnowforparents

December 29, 2025 · 8 min · Episode 109

About this episode

Host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Alice Gong about the importance and process of newborn screening.

Host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Alice Gong where she explains explains newborn screening: a few drops of blood (done at 24–48 hours and again at 7–14 days in Texas) detect dozens of conditions early so babies who look well can get life-saving treatment. The episode covers blood screening, hearing and critical congenital heart disease checks, common conditions like PKU, new treatments such as gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, and the importance of timely follow-up with your pediatrician.

People in this episode

Host: Holly Wayment

Guest: Dr. Alice Gong

Topics covered

  • newborn screening
  • blood screening
  • hearing checks
  • critical congenital heart disease
  • gene therapy
  • pediatric care

Keywords

  • newborn screening
  • blood tests
  • PKU
  • gene therapy
  • pediatrician follow-up
  • critical congenital heart disease
  • early detection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Texas, PKU, spinal muscular atrophy

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