Hungary's Baby Health Check: A Half-Century of Progress and What's Next

A Legacy of Early Detection

Hungary has been at the forefront of newborn health screening for 50 years. The journey began with tests for two rare conditions:

• Phenylketonuria
• Galactosemia

Forty years ago, they added congenital hypothyroidism to the list. Today, Hungary screens for 27 disorders, plus an optional test for spinal muscular atrophy.

Cutting-Edge Labs and Government Support

Two major labs in Budapest and Szeged handle these tests with state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled professionals. The government also provides financial support.

Since 1975, they've identified 3,289 babies with health issues out of over 5.6 million tested. Early intervention has made a life-changing difference for countless families.

Dedication and International Standards

The success isn't just about technology—it's about people. The lab teams are committed, continuously learning, and improving. They follow international standards to ensure consistent care for every baby, regardless of where they're born.

The Future: Collaboration and Innovation

Hungary aims to keep improving and expand its reach. By collaborating with other European countries, they hope to enhance newborn health screening across the continent.