Genetics and Newborn Screening provides follow-up for newborns screened for problems that are not apparent at birth so that they can receive early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. This includes inherited diseases, metabolic disorders (caused by the accumulation of chemicals produced naturally in the body) and hearing loss. Services are also available to children whose hearing loss is detected later in life.

Speech and hearing staffs provide training to health departments, Head Starts and other agencies so they can identify more children with hearing problems. A statewide Web-based data system, WCSWeb, ensures that children with hearing loss are referred to medical specialists and appropriate care. Staff also manage contracts supporting cochlear implants and teleaudiolgy evaluations for children. 

State genetic counselors work in partnership with medical centers with a focus on genetic screening, diagnosis and counseling through contracts and direct services. The counselors also provide training and consultation to health departments, private health care providers, educators, care coordinators, families and public agencies across the state. A partnership with the N.C. State Center for Health Statistics Birth Defects Registry enables staff to counsel and educate parents of affected children on the risk of their later children inheriting the same disorder.

Staff also manage a contract to provide maternal serum alpha feta protein testing (a blood test) for pregnant women who do not have another source of payment for this testing.