Newborn screening (neonatal testing)

New or expecting parents place great importance on their baby's health. To ensure that their baby gets the best start in life and stays healthy, their newborn - and every other newborn in Saskatchewan - will be screened for at least 30 rare disorders.

Although most babies with these disorders look healthy at birth, they may be at risk of having serious health problems - including developmental disabilities, recurrent sickness and even death - if their disorder is not detected and treated. Early identification is the key to effective treatment.

The Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory conducts all newborn screening for the province.