Newborn Screening: The Future is Now

The Big Picture

Expansion of New York's program has increased the number of diseases for which every infant is screened , with more to come. Understand the emerging technology driving the change, the critical timelines involved, and the influence of national guidelines, advocates and advisors.

The Molecular View

Advances in genetics coupled with sophisticated instrumentation underlie the movement toward molecular detection of disorders. Hear how DNA extracted from an infant's screening specimen can "rule in" a disease, and the potential for this approach to replace conventional methods.

The All Important Follow-Up

Serious problems can be lessened or averted in infants, if they are identified early as truly positive. Learn about the systems in place to ensure follow-up of all screening results, medical referral of infants testing positive, and communication with specialty care centers.

Preparedness & Response: Chemical & Nuclear

Chemical Reactions

Industrial chemicals and warfare agents alike pose threats if disseminated deliberately. Learn about incidents and accidents, which chemicals present greater concern and why, and how a national network of laboratories prepares for testing environmental and human specimens.

Food for Thought

Nationwide distribution of food means its contamination, accidental or otherwise, can quickly travel the country. Hear about food poisonings, chemical contaminants, their effects and laboratory detection, and state and federal monitoring and response efforts.

Nuclear Confusion

Nuclear bombs and "dirty bombs" differ in several ways, including the ability of those intent on harm to access radioactive materials. Understand exposure risks, the sources and types of radiological elements, their tracking by the federal government, and the laboratory's response.