We don’t have a crystal ball and we don’t know what our children’s future holds, but what if we could learn about treatable health risks early? Would you want to know?
That’s the premise behind Nurture Genomics, a genomic screening service for children under age 3. This new tool involves a genetic test that parents can do at home that can alert them to hundreds of childhood-onset genetic conditions that they otherwise likely would not have learned about until symptoms arise.
So what exactly is early childhood genomic screening and how does it work? Here’s what parents should know.
What is genomic screening?
When you hear the term “genomic screening,” you may be thinking, ‘Didn’t I already do that when I was pregnant?’ Or, if you opted out of prenatal screenings, perhaps you’re thinking that you already decided it wasn’t for you. However genomic screening for children is different from genetic screening offered in pregnancy. Typically, prenatal tests look at parents’ genes as potential carriers of some conditions or for missing chromosomes in a fetus.
The Nurture Genomics test sequences your child’s unique genes—in short, decoding their DNA. With this genomic information, they can identify children who have an increased risk of more than 400 different genetic health conditions including blood disorders, neurologic or metabolic conditions, immunodeficiencies and more. This list, developed by experts, was specifically chosen because each of the included conditions has some action recommended to improve outcomes.
These conditions are rare and would likely go undiagnosed for years. In fact, it often takes five years or longer for someone with a suspected rare disease to get the correct diagnosis. But genomic testing can guide care and treatment and improve outcomes. The sooner you know of an increased risk, the sooner you can take action.
If early screening sounds familiar, you may have heard of the Texas Newborn Screening Program, which includes a heel-stick blood test 24 to 48 hours after birth, and another two weeks later, to test for 57 conditions. That valuable state public health program and Nurture is not a replacement for it, but in addition to it, Nurture can be used to screen for even more conditions.
How does it work?
Genomics may sound complex and complicated, but it’s easy on your part. You can do the test yourself, right from the comfort of home.
Nurture sends a sample collection kit straight to your door. Using a gentle swab, you collect a sample of saliva from inside your child’s cheek, then mail it back to Nurture in a prepaid envelope. They take it from there.
What happens next?
Genomic analysis takes 4 to 6 weeks, but that’s just the first step and the results are only the starting point. When your child’s results are ready, you can meet virtually with a genetic counselor who will help interpret the results. If needed, they’ll direct you to the right specialists for follow-up care or recommend further testing. And your own pediatrician can also speak with the medical team about the results at any time.
Once armed with information about your child’s unique genomic information, you can then make informed decisions about any next steps.
The bottom line
Imagine identifying the risk for a genetic condition years before symptoms manifest. With treatment options expanding, now is the right time to expand upon standard newborn screening. Genomic-guided care can change the path of your child’s health—and life.
A Special Invitation for DFWChild Readers
Nurture Genomics is now available in Texas!
Nurture is inviting expecting parents and parents of young children in Texas to take part in early access. DFWChild readers receive a deep discount and other premium perks. Visit Nurture’s website, explore a video or two, and see if Nurture is right for your family. (Your discount will be applied at checkout.)
Sponsored content for Nurture Genomics.
This sponsored content article was originally published in January 2024.
