Skip Navigation LinksSCID_Family_Action_Sheet

NEWBORN SCREENING PROGRAM

Newborn with bandage on heel

Newborn screening takes blood from a newbornā€™s heel to screen for medical conditions

ā€‹ā€‹Family Action Sheet for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)ā€‹


ā€‹Printable PDF of this Actionā€‹ Sheetā€‹, also en EspaƱolā€‹ (PDF)ā€‹


If a newborn blood screening result shows that your baby could have a serious condition called severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), this result does not mean that your baby has one of these conditionā€‹s, but more tests are needed.

All babies born in California have a routine blood screen shortly after birth. The goal of this newborn screening is to find those at risk for serious medical conditions. Babies can look healthy at birth and still have one of these conditions. Babies with these conditions benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. 

What is severe combined immune deficiency or SCID?

Babies with SCID are born with little or no immune system. They can get very sick from common illnesses like a cold or flu. SCID is an inherited condition, passed from parents to children.

Babies with SCID may not have symptoms at first. Their motherā€™s immune system may offer some protection. If left untreated, children with SCID can develop very serious infections.

Is there treatment for SCID?

Yes, there are treatments for SCID. Early identification and treatment are important. Treatments may include stem cell transplant or gene therapy.ā€‹

Next steps

  1. Your babyā€™s medical provider will refer you to an immunology specialist. More tests are needed to find what treatment or monitoring will be needed for your infant. 
  2. Work closely with your babyā€™s medical provider and specialists and follow their recommendations. It is important that you keep all appointments and start a treatment plan if instructed. 
  3. Your babyā€™s medical provider will advise you on how to limit your babyā€™s exposure to infection until test results are complete. This could include staying away from crowds, waiting to breastfeed, and waiting to get live vaccines.ā€‹

Where can I get more information?

Your babyā€™s medical provider or immunologist is the best person to teach you about SCID. Find more information at these websites:


California Department of Public Health
Newborn Screening Program (www.cdph.ca.gov/NBS)
Ā© Genetic Disease Screening Program, 5/2024ā€‹ā€‹ā€‹ā€‹
Page Last Updated :