OBJECTIVE:

To estimate potential costs and benefits of routinely using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to screen newborns for inborn errors of metabolism.

METHOD:

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.

SETTING:

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.

CONCLUSION:

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.