This Newborn Screening Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on the crucial need for Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)! Read below for this month's #WeArePI collaboration with the Immune Deficiency Foundation. Let’s continue to champion this cause and ensure every baby gets the chance for a healthy start!
Timeline of Newborn Screening in the United States
2007: Pilot program to screen newborns for SCID in partnership with the state of Wisconsin
2008: Wisconsin officially adopted SCID for Newborn Screening
2018: Newborn Screening for SCID was implemented in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Navajo Nation
2024: More than 40 million babies have been screened for SCID in the US alone
What is Newborn Screening for SCID?
Newborn screening for SCID is a blood test that looks for low levels of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) in a baby's blood. TRECs are small pieces of DNA that the body produces when it develops T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system fight infection.
Why is Newborn Screening for SCID important?
Without proper diagnosis, life expectancy for SCID patients is only one year. Newborn screening for SCID allows for early diagnosis and treatment before symptoms may arise. Early diagnosis saves lives!
We are Continuing to Advocate
Both the Jeffrey Modell Foundation and the Immune Deficiency Foundation continue to advocate for Newborn Screening for SCID worldwide. Currently, 21 countries are conducting population screening. We are working towards implementing Newborn Screening for SCID worldwide!