Cost-benefit analysis of universal tandem mass spectrometry for newborn screening.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate potential costs and benefits of routinely using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to screen newborns for inborn errors of metabolism.


METHODS
Analysis of costs and benefits resulting from use of MS/MS in screening of 32 000 newborn infants using data from the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program of Northern California plus other published data.


METHODS
A large health maintenance organization.


RESULTS
In the base scenario, the cost per quality-adjusted life year saved by MS/MS screening was $5827; in the least favorable scenario, this cost was $11 419, and in the most favorable scenario, $736.


CONCLUSIONS
Costs per quality-adjusted life year saved by MS/MS screening for inborn errors of metabolism compare favorably with other mass screening programs, including those for breast and prostate cancer.
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics; D002140:California; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years