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Newborn Screen, Retest

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6503, Beaker: XNBR

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

• Fill out the entire Newborn Screen card with the requested information.
• The Michigan Newborn Screening Program uses two colors of specimen collection forms. Do NOT use the blue form for retesting.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Blood spot specimen from infant's heel on printed filter paper card provided by the Michigan Department Human Health Services (MDHHS).

• Fill each printed circle with a single application of blood.
• Observe the saturation of each printed circle as the blood flows through the filter paper.
• Spotting should be done only on the printed side.
• See Minimum Pediatric Specimen Requirements.

Specimen collection is very important. Collection pitfalls include:

• Failure to wipe off alcohol residue may dilute the specimen and adversely affect test results.
• Puncturing the heal on posterior curvature will permit blood to flow away from puncture, making proper spotting difficult. Do not lance on previous puncture.
• Milking or squeezing the puncture may cause hemolysis and admixture of tissue fluids with the specimen.
• Do not layer successive drops of blood on the circle spot. If blood flow diminishes to incompletely fill circles. Repeat sampling technique.
• Avoid touching area within circle before collection and blood spots after collection on filter paper. Do not allow water, feeding formula, antiseptic solutions, etc. to come into contact with the sample.
• Do not place filter paper in the envelope until thoroughly dry. Insufficient drying adversely affects test results. 

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Allow blood specimen to air dry thoroughly, on a level, non-absorbent open surface, such as a plastic coated test tube rack, for 2-6 hours at room temperature. Do not stack or heat. Place dried filter paper in the mailing envelope provided.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Dried filter paper in the mailing envelope provided.

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens may be unsatisfactory if blood spots are layered, inadequate, contaminated, or have serum rings on the outside edges.
• If the filter paper is abraded or if demographic information is missing the specimen may be rejected. 

Inpatient Specimen Preparation

If patient is to be discharged, please indicate the name of the physician that the patient will be seeing after discharge on the information card.

In-Lab Processing

Allow blood specimen to air dry thoroughly, on a level, non-absorbent open surface, such as a plastic coated test tube rack, for 2-6 hours at room temperature. Do not stack or heat. Place dried filter paper in the mailing envelope provided.

Transport: Dried filter paper in the mailing envelope provided.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Specimens should be maintained at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport and are stable indefinitely.

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Michigan Department of Health, Human Services (MDHHS), Lansing, MI.

Performed

Monday – Friday.
Results available in 3-6 days.
Positive results of the critical disorders are faxed or called in 48 hours or less.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Interpretation

Please see the MDHHS website for a list of the disorders that are screened for in this panel.

Clinical Utility

Repeat samples may be requested if the initial test result is positive or unsatisfactory for testing.

CPT Codes

N/A.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/8/2023