Mother Campaigns for Newborn Screenings

Web site tracks tests done in each state

Screening tests for newborns vary significantly from one state to the next, and one mother is on a campaign to change that.

Tera Mize of Georgia started a site to encourage parents to find out about newborn testing in their states, according to this article from ABC NEWS.com. Some states test for as few as three disorders, while others routinely test for 30.

Mize's son, Tyler, died on Mother's Day 1998 when he was 9 days old from galactosemia. The genetically inherited condition is easily treated by switching to a soy-based formula, according to the article. And it's easily detected through a screening test that is not used in Georgia.

The Web site Mize started -- called The Tyler for Life Foundation -- seeks to inform parents about the kinds of tests that are available in their state. It also lets them know about supplemental screening tests that can be done, if parents ask for them.

To find out more about newborn screening tests, you can read this information from the March of Dimes. To find out more about newborn screening tests for hearing loss, check this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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