How Is BRIDGES-NBS different from routine newborn screening?
Routine newborn screening looks for at least 30 to 40 conditions, depending on the state’s newborn screening program.
BRIDGES-NBS is a much broader screen, looking for risks for hundreds of genetic conditions. Both screenings use the same heel-prick blood sample.
Participation in BRIDGES-NBS is voluntary.
| Routine Newborn Screening | BRIDGES-NBS Genomic Screening |
|---|---|
| Screens for at least 30–40 conditions | Looks for about 800 conditions |
| Uses a blood spot from heel prick at birth | Uses blood from the same heel prick, no additional blood needed |
| Screens using biochemical markers in the blood. Some states screen for a few conditions using genetic testing | Screens using genome sequencing to look for genetic changes in specific genes |
| Part of routine newborn care in all states/US territories | Parent/guardian provides informed consent for participation |
| Results usually available within 1 week of birth | Results usually available within 2-3 months after birth |