Board declines to add 3MCC deficiency to Washington newborn screening panel
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Summary
After a Technical Advisory Committee review found most screen-detected 3MCC cases are asymptomatic and raised concerns about clinical benefit versus costs, the Board voted unanimously not to add 3MCC to the state newborn screening panel, citing limited benefit, capacity and funding considerations.
The State Board of Health on Jan. 14 voted not to add 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (3MCC) deficiency to Washington’s newborn screening panel after a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) review and Department staff presentation.
Presenters explained that many infants identified through newborn screening for 3MCC remain asymptomatic, and diagnostic follow-up often shows no clinical disease for flagged infants. Staff described laboratory capacity, turnaround times, cost-effectiveness considerations, and broader concerns about system capacity to implement additional conditions without secured funding. Board members asked whether Washington has a process to remove conditions and whether implementation funding would be required before adding conditions; staff confirmed funding must be secured prior to implementation and that Washington currently lacks a formal removal mechanism used by some other states.
The TAC did not recommend adding 3MCC to the state panel. The Board agreed and adopted the motion that 3MCC should not be considered for addition to Washington’s newborn screening panel, citing the reasons articulated in the presentation and discussion. Motion/Second: Nandi/Browning. Approved unanimously.
Board members asked for additional cost-benefit detail and staff indicated they will provide more information in future materials as the Board considers process refinements for newborn screening reviews.