Newborn Exams May Soon Include DNA Screening.(Statistical Data Included)(Brief Article)

PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. -- Routine DNA-based screening of newborns is not far off, and it will probably be used initially to detect three conditions: cystic fibrosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and deafness.

That was the prediction of Dr. Edward R. McCabe, who serves as chairman of the Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

DNA technology is evolving rapidly, Dr. McCabe noted at a meeting that was sponsored by the American College of Medical Genetics.

In a short time, he predicted, physicians will have the ability to test for many conditions concurrently and to receive the results in less than an hour.

Some cystic fibrosis screening programs already use a DNA test as a second-tier test for confirmation when an immunoreactive trypsin assay is positive. Other cystic fibrosis screening programs also are moving in that direction, he said.

The advantage of using the two tests together is that it allows the lab to lower the threshold of the trypsinogen test without having to worry about false positives. Therefore, more patients can be picked up, said Dr. McCabe, who is physician-in-chief at Mattel Children's Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles.

DNA testing in congenital ...