Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health program that checks babies for certain serious conditions, finds those few babies that have a condition, and helps connect families with early care and treatment. The conditions found through newborn screening are treatable and need timely action. Primary care providers play an important role in newborn screening as they are the one who get the results, share the results with families, and follow the care of the baby after a diagnosis.
Read the American Academy of Pediatrics statement about newborn screening.
Upon receipt of a result:
- For more information about NBS in your state, visit your state’s page.
- Communicating Out-of-Range Newborn Screening Results to Parents and Families (PDF - 1 MB)
This resource provides a framework and conversation starters to use when communicating out-of-range newborn screening results. - For more information on working with Plain communities visit the following regional genetic networks: Midwest Genetics Network and Heartland Regional Genetics Network.
- Newborn Screening Family Education Program
This program partners with families with a goal of building confidence around leadership in the newborn screening system through education and training resources. - What to Expect from your Baby’s First Test
Baby's First Test is a newborn screening education resource for both families and health professionals. - NBS Roadmap (PDF - 503 KB)
This roadmap from the state of Michigan uses a graphic to explain the newborn screening process in that state. While some items are particular to Michigan, the roadmap provides a clear overview of newborn screening steps.
- NewSTEPs
A national newborn screening data, technical assistance, and training program to support state-based newborn screening programs and partners. - Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children
The Committee advises the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the most appropriate application of universal newborn screening tests, technologies, policies, guidelines, and standards.
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