Sample Collection FAQ

Please clearly indicate that the baby is in CAS care and provide the baby’s caseworker’s name and contact phone number (the caseworker would be the person to contact in the event the infant screened positive). The new version of the newborn screening card has a check box for “CAS care.”

Yes. However, the newborn screen is the most accurate in the newborn period and most of the conditions screened for become apparent in early infancy..

Yes. It is important to take a newborn screen and to note this in the information sent to the hospital.

For babies who are premature (gestational age at birth is less than 33 weeks) or very low birth weight (<1500g) it is recommended that a first newborn screening sample be collected between 24 and 48 hours of age and a second sample collected at 3 weeks of age. Please see the Newborn Screening Manual for further details.

It is the responsibility of the hospital/midwifery practice where the baby is born to obtain the newborn screen. All sample repeat requests go to the original submitter.

Yes. A newborn screening sample should be taken on every baby prior to discharge. If this happens before 24 hours, parents should be informed that a repeat newborn screen after 24 hours must be done and informed how to complete the newborn screen.

If possible, it is best to take the newborn screen prior to a packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion. PRBC transfusions are known to affect the results of hemoglobin and galactosemia screens. If the newborn screen has been taken after a PRBC transfusion, a repeat sample should be taken 4 months after the last transfusion to complete screening.

This is not considered a blood transfusion for newborn screening purposes. Provided that a baby has not received red blood cells, you may indicate “no” for transfusion status.

If you have thoroughly explained newborn screening to the parents and they choose to decline the test, it is extremely important to document it in the baby’s records. You may have the family complete the Decline/Defer Form on the back of the newborn screening card.

Please indicate that the baby is being adopted and include the adoptive parent’s information (as s/he will be caring for the infant and would be the person to contact in the event the infant screened positive). The new version of the newborn screening card has a check box for “Adoption".

Please clearly indicate that the baby is in CAS care and provide the baby’s caseworker’s name and contact phone number (the caseworker would be the person to contact in the event the infant screened positive). The new version of the newborn screening card has a check box for “CAS care.”