Standard newborn screening in Ontario checks for about 30 rare but serious conditions. Our INFANT study offers optional genomic screening that analyzes your baby’s DNA to help detect over 200 treatable conditions, often before symptoms appear. That’s 200 reasons to participate.
Learn how the study works
Your baby may be able to join if they:
Understand what genomic newborn screening is and what the study involves.
Decide whether to take part. Participation is voluntary.
With your permission, the lab re-uses the newborn heel-prick sample already collected for standard screening. No new sample needed.
You will receive your baby’s genomic newborn screening results.
If your baby screens positive, you’ll be offered an appointment with a specialist team to talk through next steps and any follow-up testing.
Why some families choose to take part
Early detection of many treatable conditions
Finding certain conditions early may allow treatment to start sooner—when it can make the biggest difference. Most babies will have a screen-negative result, which can bring peace of mind.
Helping improve newborn screening for all babies
Your family helps researchers understand whether genomic newborn screening should be added to Ontario’s routine newborn screening in the future.
Supporting child health research across Canada
De-identified data from the study will help build the Pan-Canadian Genome Library, supporting research that could benefit children for generations.
