Researchers were testing for phenylketonuria, or PKU, an inherited disorder which, if left untreated, can leave a child mentally retarded. All 50 states and most foreign countries require testing for PKU, as well as hypothyroidism, which can cause mental and physical problems.
Testing is done using the same blood samples as are used now.
Using the new technique, researchers found they could begin screening babies earlier than using traditional methods. With mothers and babies now leaving the hospital in 24 to 48 hours after birth, blood samples taken often are inconclusive. Since early diagnosis and treatment can prevent mental retardation, doctors are looking for ways to catch the problem sooner. The researchers found that tandem mass spectrometry could detect PKU in babies who were less than one day old. They also found that they could screen for 25 to 30 other genetic problems at the same time.