UHL Director Chris Atchison (left) and IDPH Director Tom Newton

"One tiny heel prick saved both my sons from a life of mental retardation and suffering," Blythe says. "PKU is 100 percent treatable, but only if it is diagnosed within a few weeks after birth. I am so thankful that newborn screening has allowed them to be healthy, joyful, and rambunctious boys."

The Stanfels attended an event on November 29 at UHL's Iowa Laboratories Facility in Ankeny marking the one-millionth Iowa newborn to be screened for congenital and inherited disorders. In Iowa, screening takes place through the Iowa Department of Public Health's (IDPH) Neonatal Metabolic Screening Program. Conducted on behalf of IDPH by the University Hygienic Laboratory and University of Iowa Department of Pediatrics, the program tests all children born in Iowa for more than 40 conditions, which can have serious and debilitating effects, including chronic infections, mental retardation, physical disabilities, and death.

"The Iowa newborn screening program has helped give Iowa's children the best possible start in life through an extraordinary partnership between state agencies and parent representatives," says UHL Director Chris Atchison. "Their collaborative, tireless work has advanced a program that is second to none."

The one-million mark is the result of testing since 1983. Iowa is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of neonatal screening, and is the only state to offer around-the-clock testing.

"Iowa's newborn metabolic screening program is one of the most successful examples of public health in action," says IDPH Director Tom Newton. "Early identification of newborns for inherited disorders allows for early treatment, which can prevent potential complications and enhance the child's quality of life."

All tests are performed on a few drops of blood from an infant's heel within 24 hours of birth. The sample is sent to UHL where tests are run for disorders such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and hypothyroidism. Should the Lab identify an infant who may have a congenital or inherited disorder, the baby's parents and health care provider are contacted. Designated physicians from the UI Department of Pediatrics serve as medical consultants for the program, and assist providers by recommending treatment and follow-up care.

To learn more about the Iowa Neonatal Metabolic Screening Program, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/genetics.