Has anyone looked into paying for additional newborn blood screening tests on your own?

I'd read an article in People magazine back in August that talked about how 50 distinct genetic anamalies can be detected during the heel prick test in the delivery room.

The March of Dimes recommends testing for 9 disorders:

1. Biotinidase Deficiency
2. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
3. Galactosemia
4. Homocystinuria
5. Hypothyroidism (congenital)
6. Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
7. Phenylketonuria (PKU)
8. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Hemoglobinopathies
9. Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD)

NYS tests for all 9 plus Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

For about $90, I can order this kit to have the baby tested for 50 inherited disorders. I've attached links to the Company, Pediatrix as well as the list of what they screen for . Do you think this is worthwhile?

I'm feeling very overwhelmed trying to research this as well as cord blood banking, and I'm interested to hear what other moms or moms to be think.

TIA.
Cathy

I do think its worth while!!! I was actually thinking about doing it as well. You can never be too safe.

I didnt want to bank the cord blood. My family and DH's family dont have a history of disease that would make it something we would really consider. Although I do think its a good idea!

We were also leaning toward the blood screening but not banking the cord blood. We have no history of the diseeases it can be used on in our families, plus I read that it can only be banked for 10 years, so it seemed like a lot of money for minimal risk. JMO

A few of my friends thought I was being overly cautious testing for all these genetic diseases that the state doesn't think we need to be tested for, so I started to think maybe I was being over the top. It makes me feel better to see I'm not the only one who thinks it's worthwhile.

Even my co-workers have been making fun of me, calling me 'Safety Mom' because I check Consumer Reports for which stroller, car seat, etc. we should get. I started to think I was really weird compared to everyone else.

Thanks for making me feel better!