Newborns in North Carolina to Receive Free Genetic Testing

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by Wendy Henderson |

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Starting in 2018, newborns in North Carolina will be able to undergo free screenings for genetic diseases. Although babies in America are tested for some genetic diseases, the screening doesn’t extend to all genetic disorders as the cost would be astronomical.

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RTI International will launch its Early Check program next year which aims to test babies for a number of genetic disorders in newborns including fragile X syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Up to 120,000 newborns in North Carolina will be eligible for the screenings and because the program is part of a research study, the company intends to follow up on any babies found to have SMA or fragile X syndrome and offer the families a chance to take part in further studies or participate in clinical trials. Find out more about the screenings here.

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