DAVIS, Calif. -- Researchers at UC Davis are set to launch the first widespread screening for the genetic mutation that can cause mental retardation, school officials said Tuesday.

Using a test they developed, researchers of the M.I.N.D. Institute will screen up to 30,000 infants during the next 5 years as part of a $2.3 million pilot study.

The tests will lay the groundwork for universal screening of all infants in the United States for the fragile X mutation, the most common inherited cause of mental retardation, officials said.

"This is a very important advance for the understanding and treatment of fragile X syndrome and paves the way for early identification and early intervention for these children," said M.I.N.D. Institute medical director and study senior investigator Randi Hagerman, according to a university news release.

The study will allow families with infants to learn right after birth whether their child will have mental retardation, officials said.

"Identification of the condition in early infancy will allow families to seek crucial early intervention services for their children that we hope will mitigate the disabling affects of the disorder," said lead study investigator Flora Tassone.

Fragile X syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 3,600 males and 1 in 4,000 female babies.

Researchers said they think with widespread genetic testing a much higher incidence of the condition would prove to exist, officials said.