Ohio expands newborn screenings for cystic fibrosis

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Ohio will soon begin screening for more mutations of cystic fibrosis in all newborns.

Gov. Mike DeWine and the Department of Health announced an expansion of newborn screening capabilities to increase its testing for rare mutations of cystic fibrosis. Only a handful of states offer screenings for the maximum number of mutations possible by laboratory testing.

Currently, state law requires all newborns be screened for 41 different conditions, including cystic fibrosis.

The sooner a person is diagnosed, the more treatment they are able to receive, which can prevent serious, lifelong problems associated with cystic fibrosis.

“Getting the earliest possible diagnosis and a head start on treatment is absolutely critical to ensure those born with cystic fibrosis can lead a healthier life,” said Gov. DeWine. “By expanding our testing capabilities to catch even the rarest forms of this disease at birth, Ohio will be giving every child and every family the best chance for the best possible outcome.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects close to 40,000 children and adults in the U.S. Thanks to advancements in medical treatment and increased newborn screening, the National Institutes of Health report that half of babies born with cystic fibrosis in 2021 are expected to reach the age of 65 or older.

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