Cleveland Clinic Implemented Newborn CMV Screening
The hospital now screens intensive care infants for cytomegalovirus to detect congenital infections early.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Babies
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The Cleveland Clinic has launched universal cytomegalovirus screening for all newborns in its intensive care units. This protocol aims to identify congenital cases early, as the virus can lead to severe developmental disabilities.
Why it matters
Congenital cytomegalovirus can cause permanent hearing loss or death if left untreated. A three-year study showed that consistent screening protocols significantly increased the detection of these infant infections.
Approximately 1 in 200 U.S. newborns are born with congenital cytomegalovirus, with 30,000 infants affected annually. Clinicians must perform testing within three weeks of birth to accurately distinguish congenital infections.
The players
Cleveland Clinic
This major nonprofit academic medical center serves as a health system provider in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
American Academy of Pediatrics
This professional association consists of pediatricians dedicated to the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents.
The details
Cleveland Clinic staff now screen all infants in intensive care and target other at-risk newborns to ensure timely intervention with antiviral medications like valganciclovir. This shift follows the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsement of screening procedures to mitigate risks like hearing loss.
Timeline
Ongoing screenings are now standard practice at the Cleveland Clinic.
A three-year study established the effectiveness of increased case detection.
Testing occurs within three weeks of birth to confirm congenital infections.
Culture Shift
The move toward universal screening reflects a broader shift toward proactive neonatal care that mirrors the mandatory screening policies already in place in Minnesota and Connecticut. These state-level mandates are setting a national precedent for how health systems address congenital conditions.
Parents of infants in the Cleveland Clinic intensive care unit will now benefit from automated testing that identifies potential health risks shortly after birth. This screening ensures that infants can access necessary treatments like valganciclovir before developmental symptoms manifest.
The takeaway
Early detection of cytomegalovirus is critical because timely antiviral treatment can significantly improve long-term outcomes for affected infants. Families should consult with their pediatricians to understand the importance of newborn screening for common congenital infections.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in infant wellness within Cleveland babies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ideastream Public Media.
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