Oregon has begun enrollment in a nationwide research study evaluating whether genome sequencing can be integrated into routine newborn screening, according to the Northwest Regional Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program and BRIDGES-NBS, described as the nation's first coordinated, multi-state genomic newborn screening effort.
The study will recruit up to 30,000 newborns over two years across seven participating states and territories: Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Texas. GeneDx will perform the genome sequencing and interpretation.
In Oregon, recruitment will take place through in-person outreach at PeaceHealth-Eugene and Oregon Health & Science University, with families across the state also able to self-enroll. Participation is voluntary, free, and requires informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.
The study uses the same dried bloodspot sample already collected for routine newborn screening, so no additional blood draw is needed. It will test for about 800 genetic conditions that are actionable in the first year of life, allowing monitoring and treatment to begin before a child's first birthday.
"Genome sequencing has the promise to transform the field of newborn screening from a small panel of 46 conditions to more than 700 conditions," said Patrice Held, Ph.D., Newborn Screening Program manager at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory.
The project will also evaluate the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing, guided by a community advisory board.