The Newborn Metabolic Screening Programme is one of the most successful screening programmes in New Zealand. Almost all babies born in New Zealand are screened (about 64,000), and approximately 45 babies are identified with and treated for a metabolic disorder each year.

When metabolic disorders are diagnosed early, treatment can be commenced immediately, to reduce the chance of irreversible damage and life-threatening illnesses. 

Why is screening for metabolic disorders needed?

Screening identifies babies who are more likely than others to have the metabolic disorders screened for. These babies are then referred for diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out a disorder.

Metabolic disorders are not easily detected without screening because many of the symptoms are non-specific and mimic other more common conditions. Some of the disorders do not show any symptoms at all until irreversible damage has occurred. Screening means that metabolic disorders can be diagnosed before a baby gets sick.  

Responsibility for the Newborn Metabolic Screening Programme

The National Screening Unit (NSU) of the Ministry of Health has responsibility for the funding, monitoring and strategic direction of the Newborn Metabolic Screening Programme. The programme is currently run at the Auckland District Health Board laboratory (LabPLUS) at Auckland City Hospital.