Newborn Screening
Specimen Collection
The Newborn Screening branch uses Filter paper specimens that are collected by heel stick on the Newborn Screening Form, DHHS 3105. Below are the steps to collect the blood sample for a newborn screen test.
Complete all information on Newborn Screening Form, DHHS 3105.
Do not contaminate filter paper circles by allowing the circles to come in contact with spilliage or by touching before or after blood collection. Keep "Submitter" copy of form.
Warm Heel to be pricked
Warm site with soft cloth, moistened with warm water up to 41 degrees celsius for three to five minutes.
Cleanse Site
Cleanse site with alcohol prep. Wipe dry with sterile gauze pad.
Puncture Heel
Puncture heel and wipe away first blood drop with sterile gauze pad. Allow another LARGE blood drop to form.
Apply Blood to Filter Paper
Lightly touch filter paper to LARGE blood drop. Allow blood to soak through and completely fill circle with SINGLE application of the LARGE blood drop. Apply blood once to one side of filter paper only.
Fill Remaining Circles
Fill remaining circles in the same manner as step 5, with additional blood drops.
Drop Blood Spots
Allow the blood samples to dry for a minimum of four hours on a flat non-absorbent surface
Mail Blood Spots to Laboratory
Mail completed form to the testing laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Do not package forms in plastic bags for mailing. All collections kits can be ordered from the North Carolina State Laboratory mailroom by calling (919) 733-7656.
Note: The Newborn Screening filter form is used to record newborn hearing screening data.
See also:
- Newborn Screening
- Disorders Tested
- Conditions Tested
- Specimen Collection
- Reporting
- Screening Update
- Form Training
