Some Factors Influencing the Development of a Voluntary PKU Screening Program: Possible Implication for Other Screening Procedures for Newborns

Mandatory legislation for phenylketonuria (PKU) screening has recently created considerable controversy. This report analyzes three years' experience with a voluntary program in the state of Washington. Sixty-nine percent of newborns were screened in 1967, the last year of the survey reported. The major factor influencing development of screening practice seemed to be physician interrelationships, strongest in the most populous communities, which either favored or hindered the adoption of a screening program. Other medicosociological factors considered had less or no influence. Further observations made that might be considered when planning future mass screening programs were (1) sparsely populated areas and small hospitals need support; (2) the type of testing policy adopted by a hospital staff determines the effectiveness of its program; and (3) screening programs need periodic surveillance to continue to be effective.