Group seeks national newborn screening standards

Nearly two-thirds of all babies born in the U.S. this year will be screened for more than 20 life-threatening disorders – nearly twice the rate as in 2005, according to the latest March of Dimes (White Plains, New York) Newborn Screening Report Card.

However, disparities in state newborn screening programs mean some babies will die or develop severe complications because these disorders are not identified in time for effective treatment.

The American College of Medical Genetics recommends that every baby born in the U.S. be screened for 29 disorders, including hearing and certain metabolic conditions. If diagnosed early, these conditions can be successfully managed or treated.

"All babies across America should be screened for all of these core conditions. Whether a baby is screened and gets the immediate treatment necessary to lead a healthy life should not depend on which state they are born in," said Dr. Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes.

The March of Dimes calls for a national newborn screening standard as well as federal funding to help states implement the screening programs. It endorses the Newborn Screening Saves Live Act, which allocates $15 million to educate parents and healthcare providers about newborn screening, improve follow-up care for infants with an illness detected through newborn screening, and help states expand and improve their screening programs. In states where newborn screening is limited, additional tests can be arranged for at additional expense.

Humana to cover Cambridge Heart's MTWA test

Cambridge Heart (Bedford, Massachusetts), developing products for the noninvasive diagnosis of cardiac disease, reported that Humana (Louisville, Kentucky) has issued a coverage policy on Microvolt T Wave Alternans (MTWA) testing, agreeing to cover the test for its beneficiaries.

Humana's policy states: "Humana members would be eligible under the Plan for MTWA testing using the spectral analytic method for the evaluation of risk of sudden cardiac death when the member meets the criteria for ICD placement."

Clinical research has shown that patients with symptoms of or, who are at risk of, life-threatening arrhythmias who test positive for T-wave alternans are at significant risk for subsequent sudden cardiac events including sudden death, while those who test negative are at minimal risk.

GE Healthcare adds two ultrasound units

GE Healthcare (Waukesha, Wisconsin) has unveiled two new strategic business segments for the company's Diagnostic Ultrasound business – Women's Health & Specialty, and Radiology & Vascular.

Terri Bresenham, vice president and general manager of GE Healthcare's diagnostic ultrasound and information technologies business, said, "The new Women's Health & Specialty and Radiology & Vascular business segments will further strengthen our focus on serving our luminary customers, and enhance our commitment to support the kinds of clinical research and innovation that have made GE the industry leader in ultrasound."

Karl-Heinz Lumpi has been promoted to the new position of general manager for the Women's Health & Specialty business segment, and Brian McEathron is general manager for the Radiology & Vascular segment.

Lumpi, who has spent his career in the ultrasound field, was the project manager for the launch of the world's first 4-D ultrasound system, the company said. McEathron is a career veteran of GE with a variety of engineering, product and business development experience.