HOUSTON – Starting June 1, 2026, all newborns in Texas will be screened for an additional rare genetic disorder as part of the state’s newborn screening program.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced that it has added testing for guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency, bringing the total number of rare genetic conditions screened in newborns to 60.
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Health officials say the move could help detect a disorder that, while extremely rare, can lead to severe neurological complications if left untreated.
What is GAMT deficiency?
GAMT deficiency is a rare inherited disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce creatine, a substance essential for storing and using energy.
Without enough creatine, and with a buildup of a compound known as guanidinoacetate (GUAC), children can develop serious neurological problems during infancy and early childhood.
Symptoms may include:
- Intellectual disability
- Delayed or limited speech development
- Recurrent seizures
- Behavioral challenges
- Poor muscle tone
- Involuntary movements
Public health experts estimate that newborn screening programs across the United States may identify only about seven babies each year with the condition, making it one of the rarest disorders included in newborn screening panels.
Early detection can make a difference
State health leaders say identifying the disorder shortly after birth can significantly improve outcomes.
“Early diagnosis and treatment for this rare condition can lead to improved health and development for the children affected by it,” said Imelda Garcia, MPH, DSHS chief deputy commissioner.
Garcia added that newborn screening remains one of the state’s most important public health tools for detecting potentially life-threatening disorders before symptoms become severe.
How the test works
The new screening does not require any additional procedures for newborns.
The GAMT test will be performed using the same blood sample collected during the routine heel-stick test administered shortly after birth.
DSHS says its laboratory staff and follow-up screening teams have completed the necessary training to begin screening newborns for the disorder statewide.
Texas joins growing national effort
GAMT deficiency was added to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) in January 2023. Texas now becomes the 20th state to include the condition in its newborn screening program.
Under Texas law, the state is required to add conditions recommended by the federal screening panel as funding becomes available.