Understanding the impacts of false positive results in newborn screening

Unresolved Issues in Newborn Screening: Quantifying the Harms of a False Positive Result

NIH-funded research Children's Research Institute · NIH-10440414

This study looks at how false alarms from newborn screening tests can affect kids and their families, aiming to understand the stress and extra medical steps these false positives can cause, so we can improve how these tests are done.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-10440414 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of false positive results from newborn screening (NBS) on children and their families. It aims to quantify the harms associated with these false positives, which can lead to unnecessary stress and medical interventions. By conducting a prospective multistate cohort study, the research will gather data from children undergoing NBS and their parents to better understand the risks involved. The findings will help inform policies and practices related to newborn screening programs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include newborns who have undergone screening and their families, particularly those who have received false positive results.

Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone newborn screening or those who have received confirmed positive results for inherited disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved newborn screening practices that minimize harm and better support families.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has highlighted the importance of understanding the implications of false positive results in medical screening, suggesting that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Washington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.