Genomic screening at Intermountain Healthcare

We are so glad you've taken the time to learn more about Nurture Genomics Services at Intermountain Healthcare

You're here because your pediatrician suggested Nurture Genomics' genomic screening service for your healthy baby. This page is designed to help you understand — in simple, honest terms — what Nurture does, how it works, and what you should consider before saying "yes."

A father lifting his baby up to his face, both smiling

What Is Nurture?

In the U.S., every baby usually gets state newborn screening, which tests for a fixed number of serious treatable conditions using a blood-spot test. In Utah, babies are tested for 52 conditions.

More than a typical newborn screen.

In the U.S., every baby usually gets state newborn screening, which tests for a fixed number of serious treatable conditions using a blood-spot test. In Utah, babies are tested for 52 conditions.

Nurture goes beyond.

Nurture uses whole-genome sequencing to screen for 400+ medically actionable, childhood-onset conditions — much more than standard newborn screening.

It's more than just DNA testing.

Nurture combines testing with ongoing support: genetic counseling, help navigating next steps, and care coordination if the test finds something important.

What You Get With Nurture

An easy, gentle sample collection.

Your doctor will use a gentle cheek swab to collect a DNA sample — no blood draw required.

Full genome sequencing with expert analysis.

Nurture analyzes your child's DNA (their "genome") and looks at more than 400 genes linked to treatable childhood conditions.

Clear, easy-to-understand results.

We know test results aren't always easy to understand. That's why in addition to your lab report, Nurture provides a patient guide that tells you in clear language what the results mean for your child and outlines next steps in their care.

Support from genetic experts.

From the very beginning of the process, you will have access to Nurture's team of trained genetic counselors. They'll help you understand what the results mean, answer questions, and support you in next steps.

Care navigation when needed.

If a risk is found, Nurture works with you and your pediatrician to connect you with the right specialists and coordinate next steps in your child's care.

Setting expectations

What Nurture Can — and Can't — Tell You

What It Can Do

Identify whether your baby has gene variants linked to more than 400 actionable childhood-onset conditions.
Give you early warning — often before any symptoms appear — allowing earlier monitoring or treatment, potentially improving long-term health.
Provide clear guidance and next steps if a risk is identified, including specialists and support.

What It Cannot Do

It does not catch every possible genetic or health issue. Nurture only screens for a selected set of childhood conditions where early treatment or management can help.
It does not screen for adult-onset conditions. The focus is strictly on medical conditions that begin in childhood.
It does not provide a final diagnosis. Additional testing to confirm results may be recommended.
It is not to diagnose conditions that are already suspected or present. If your child is experiencing symptoms or you are concerned about a known genetic condition in your family, speak with your provider about the option of diagnostic genetic testing.

How It Works — Step by Step

Discuss the option of testing with your child's pediatrician
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Review the consent form and sign up to proceed with the service
Form available on a tablet provided by the office
Cheek swab sample is collected by clinic staff during your child's appointment
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Sample is mailed by your doctor's office to a certified laboratory for analysis
Turnaround time: ~4-6 weeks
Results of the testing are returned via the Nurture portal as soon as they are available
In the event of a positive result, a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the result and support you through next-steps
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Follow-up care and referrals will be coordinated by Nurture and your medical team if needed

Questions Parents Often Ask

My baby is healthy — is this even helpful?

Yes. Many serious but treatable genetic conditions don't show symptoms at first. Nurture gives you a chance to catch those risks early.

Is our baby's genomic data safe?

Yes. Nurture partners with a well-established clinical lab that meets strict privacy and security standards. Your personal data won't be shared without your permission.

How much will this cost?

This program is offered at no cost to you through a collaboration between Intermountain Health and Nurture Genomics. Your insurance will not be billed for the genetic test or the genetic counseling included in this program. If the results suggest that your child may need additional testing or follow-up medical visits, those services would be billed to you or your insurance in the same way as any other healthcare visit or test.

Does this replace standard newborn screening?

No — Nurture is meant to add to state-provided newborn screening, not replace it. The two work together to give you more information.

How did Nurture decide which conditions are included in this screening test?

Nurture includes more than 400 genetic conditions in this screening. These conditions were chosen based on two main criteria:

  • Childhood onset: Symptoms typically appear during childhood. Because of this, the test does not report on conditions that only cause symptoms in adulthood.
  • Medically actionable: There are proven medical steps — such as monitoring, treatments, or interventions — that can help prevent, reduce, or better manage health problems related to the condition.
Can this test help explain symptoms my child already has or look for genetic conditions that run in my family?

No. This test is intended for healthy children to identify possible future health risks. It is not designed to diagnose conditions that are already suspected or present. If your child has symptoms or you are concerned about a known genetic condition in your family, talk with your provider about diagnostic genetic testing.

Can the results of this test affect other family members?

Yes. In some cases, genetic findings may have implications for siblings, parents, or other relatives. If this happens, your care team will explain what the results may mean for your family and discuss next steps.

Is Nurture Right for Your Family?

Nurture may be a good fit if you want extra peace of mind for your baby's future — especially if you value:

Early detection before symptoms appear
Access to genetic experts for guidance and follow-up
More comprehensive insight than standard newborn screening
A plan to act early if a risk is found

Before you decide, you might ask your pediatrician or a genetic counselor about how genetic screening fits with your family's values and what you hope to learn.

Two parents laughing with their young son riding on his father's shoulders

Ready to Get Started?

Nurture's genomic screening is available in select pediatrician offices at Intermountain Healthcare. Ask your pediatrician if it is right for your baby. Have a question for us? Contact Nurture's support team at support@nurturegenomics.com.

Email our support team