What is a retest?
Early detection of disorders and conditions detectable through comprehensive newborn screening (CNBS) is vital. Although the newborn screening test detects disorders that cannot be cured, early invention and treatment is beneficial in most cases.
Prevention: Affected babies are at risk of mental retardation, physical disabilities and even death if they are not diagnosed and treated early. Comprehensive newborn screening gives you the opportunity to protect your baby from the preventable complications of undiagnosed problems. If your baby is affected, newborn screening can play a key role in allowing you child to live a normal life.
Children who are born with these disorders and go unscreened sometimes spend several months, even years, suffering through numerous medical tests to find out what is wrong with them. Some even have extensive hospital stays in intensive care because no one knows what is wrong with them and thus aren't treating them properly. This is because a clinical diagnosis is difficult if these children aren't properly screened.
Peace of Mind: And if your child's test is normal, comprehensive newborn screening can give you peace of mind.
Prevention: Affected babies are at risk of mental retardation, physical disabilities and even death if they are not diagnosed and treated early. Comprehensive newborn screening gives you the opportunity to protect your baby from the preventable complications of undiagnosed problems. If your baby is affected, newborn screening can play a key role in allowing you child to live a normal life.
Children who are born with these disorders and go unscreened sometimes spend several months, even years, suffering through numerous medical tests to find out what is wrong with them. Some even have extensive hospital stays in intensive care because no one knows what is wrong with them and thus aren't treating them properly. This is because a clinical diagnosis is difficult if these children aren't properly screened.
Peace of Mind: And if your child's test is normal, comprehensive newborn screening can give you peace of mind.
© 2008 Save Babies Through Screening Foundation. All rights reserved.
The Save Babies Through Screening Foundation is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).
Our mission is to improve the lives of children by working to prevent death and disabilities resulting from disorders detectable through newborn screening tests.
The Save Babies Through Screening Foundation is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).
Our mission is to improve the lives of children by working to prevent death and disabilities resulting from disorders detectable through newborn screening tests.
Save Babies Through Screening Foundation, Inc.
P. O. Box 281 • Loudonville, Oh 44842
Toll Free: 1-888-454-3383
P. O. Box 281 • Loudonville, Oh 44842
Toll Free: 1-888-454-3383
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Newborn Screening (NBS) Test?
This test is often referred to as the PKU or heel-stick test. It tests babies for serious disorders and is usually performed when your baby is 24-48 hours old. Ideally, the specimen should be sent to the laboratory by the fastest way possible to prevent delay.
Why is the test done?
The test is done to find out if your baby has a disease or condition for which early treatment can prevent death, mental retardation, or physical disability.
How is the test performed?
The test is performed by pricking your baby's heel and putting a few drops of blood on a special filter paper. The paper is allowed to dry and then sent to the newborn screening laboratory where several different tests will be performed.
But we have no family history of these disorders......
Parents who have no family history of problems and/or who have already had healthy children can still have children with these disorders. In fact, most children with these disorders come from families with no previous history of the condition.
What are the benefits of Comprehensive Newborn Screening?
But my baby looks healthy.......
Most babies with disorders look and act normal and seem perfectly healthy. The newborn screening test helps your doctor catch a problem with your baby before it makes him or her sick. Most babies that are diagnosed and treated early do well. The earlier the disorder is detected, the higher the chance of having a good prognosis.
If the result of your child's test is abnormal, a repeat test or a "retest" is usually required. A request for a retest does not necessarily mean your child has a disorder, but it is possible. If you are asked for a retest, it is important that you take your baby for the retest as soon as possible.
How will I know the results of my baby's test?
Generally, parents are notified of the test results only if there is a problem. However, it is a good idea to call your doctor and request the results of the test. This is important to ensure that your child's test results have not been lost or misplaced.
If your child's test shows an abnormal result, you will be notified immediately and given directions about what to do next. Follow the directions of your doctor very carefully. If your child's test is abnormal, additional tests are usually necessary to verify if your child has the disorder. It is important that you advise your doctor if you move or change phone numbers soon after your baby is born in case there is a problem with your baby's test.
If the results of your baby's test are normal, they will be mailed to your physician approximately two weeks after the test was performed.
If your child's test shows an abnormal result, you will be notified immediately and given directions about what to do next. Follow the directions of your doctor very carefully. If your child's test is abnormal, additional tests are usually necessary to verify if your child has the disorder. It is important that you advise your doctor if you move or change phone numbers soon after your baby is born in case there is a problem with your baby's test.
If the results of your baby's test are normal, they will be mailed to your physician approximately two weeks after the test was performed.
Will my baby get the same test no matter where I live?
No. Although all states require a newborn screening test be performed on babies born in their state, each state determines which disorders will be screened. The newborn screening test is capable of screening for more than 50 disorders, yet most states screen for fewer than that. For example, if your child was born in the state of California in 2004, your baby was screened for 4 disorders. Yet, if your baby had been born in Mississippi, he or she would have been screened for more than 50 disorders. Learn about newborn screening in your state
Can Newborn Screening be performed on older children and adults?
Yes. Older children also can be supplementally screened. Contact one of the laboratories that offer supplemental screening for directions.
Should I have my baby screened supplementally?
Yes. In order to prevent damage from undiagnosed disorders that are not screened through your child's routine newborn screening, all babies should be screened through supplemental newborn screening in addition to receiving a routine newborn screening test unless your state or hospital is screening for all disorders recommended by the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation. Learn whether supplemental newborn screening is recommended for newborns in your state
Should I have my baby screened supplementally?
Contact one of the laboratories on our site to obtain a parent packet, which contains screening materials and information for you and your physician. The screening packet should be obtained several weeks prior to delivery. Be sure that arrangements have been made in advance of your baby's due date for the hospital to draw the additional blood drops at the time of the routine newborn screening. Each of these laboratories** can provide screening regardless of where you live.
Click here for information on each laboratory that provides screening for all disorders:
Simply give the packet to your doctor, and let him or her know you would like to have an extra blood sample drawn at the time of your baby's routine newborn screening. Then, when your baby's routine heel-stick is performed, a few extra drops of blood will be applied to the supplemental screening test. As with your baby's routine screening, if the screening is abnormal, your baby's physician will be contacted immediately. And if the screening is normal, results will be sent through the mail.
Click here for information on each laboratory that provides screening for all disorders:
Simply give the packet to your doctor, and let him or her know you would like to have an extra blood sample drawn at the time of your baby's routine newborn screening. Then, when your baby's routine heel-stick is performed, a few extra drops of blood will be applied to the supplemental screening test. As with your baby's routine screening, if the screening is abnormal, your baby's physician will be contacted immediately. And if the screening is normal, results will be sent through the mail.
What if I don't have the money to purchase Supplemental Newborn Screening?
If you have health insurance, ask the plan administrator or the insurance company if supplemental newborn screening is covered. The CPT (claim code) for insurance purposes is 83788.
The Save Babies Through Screening Foundation has a limited number of free newborn screening packets available each month for expectant parents who qualify. Click on Packets for Parents for information.
The Save Babies Through Screening Foundation has a limited number of free newborn screening packets available each month for expectant parents who qualify. Click on Packets for Parents for information.
What if my baby's doctor doesn't know about Supplemental Newborn Screening?
Because supplemental screening has not been available everywhere until recently, your doctor may not know about supplemental screening. Be prepared to supply your doctor with information on supplemental screening. Click on the following links to print out information to give to your doctor. A Parent's Guide to NBS, and About Save Babies Through Screening Foundation.
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