(Grand Rapids, MI)  --  Parents will soon have the option to allow their child's blood to be used for research.  Under the state's requirement, parents are required to give consent to allow their child's blood to be taken.  Currently that means researchers test for 49 different types of metabolic disorders, once blood is taken within the first 24 to 36 hours of an infant's life.  In the next few months, eleven extra tests will be tacked on to the process.  Parents with a child under the age of 25 will also be allowed to consent for the blood to be used for research.  

-Metro Source