Newborn Screening in Wisconsin

Newborn Screening in Wisconsin

What Is Newborn Screening?

* Newborn screening is the process of testing a population of newborns to identify those affected with certain treatable disorders early on, preventing potentially serious medical complications
* Newborn screening programs include:
o Testing - Treatment
o Follow-up - Education for parents/providers
o Confimatory Diagnosis


* Every state in the US has a newborn screening program
* No federal guidelines for newborn screening
* Newborns in WI are screened for “48” different disorders, including hearing
* Screening decreases morbidity and mortality, and increases quality of life for babies with these disorders
* Testing and parental notification are required by state law
* Requires that parents be informed of testing
o “No tests may be performed…unless the parents or legal guardian are fully informed of the purposes of testing…and have been given reasonable opportunity to object…”
* Parents may refuse based on religion
o “This section shall not apply if the parents… object...on the grounds that the test conflicts with their religious tenets and practices

Why Is Newborn Screening Done?
* Early identification and treatment of newborns affected with certain congenital disorders can prevent serious medical complications
* Cannot test for every congenital disorder; Criteria for testing must be met

Newborn Screening Criteria
* Occurs in at least 1/100,000 births
* Detection in the neonatal period leads to a demonstrable reduction in morbidity and mortality
* Potential for effective therapy
* Reasonable cost
* Laboratory feasibility
* Because PKU was the first disorder screened for, newborn screening is sometimes mistakenly called the “PKU test”

“PKU TEST”
How Are Samples Taken?
* Heel prick
* Fill all circles and allow card to dry completely
* Send cards to State Laboratory of Hygiene within 24 hours of collection
* Samples are run the day they are received
* Specimens with all normal results available within 48 hours
* Color scheme used for reports
o White paper = normal results
o Gold paper = definite abnormal
o Blue paper = possible abnormal

Results Reporting
* Physician is contacted immediately whenever a result is abnormal
o Physician contacts the parents and arranges any follow-up testing necessary
o Immediate notification important for treatment in some disorders

Newborn Screening in Wisconsin.ppt