July 20, 2015

Missouri to expand current newborn screening network with Sunday pickup and eight new sites

With additional collection sites and Sunday pickup service, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is strengthening its newborn screening program. DHSS recently added eight more hospitals to its system of 46 hospital pickup sites throughout the state. The department also added a Sunday pickup service for all birthing hospitals that are currently receiving state courier service.

This new pick up day will be in addition to the current Monday through Friday pickup schedule.  By implementing this additional pickup day, the newborn screening samples collected over the weekend will arrive at the state lab one day earlier, helping to expedite their testing.

Prompt newborn screening sample transit times can be life-saving for newborn babies.  The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) screens for several disorders which need rapid detection and intervention to prevent serious health complications.

Newborns in Missouri are screened for over 65 conditions to help ensure health problems are identified soon after birth. If a baby has a high risk result after the screening is conducted, their doctor is contacted as soon as possible.

To find out more about the newborn screening program in Missouri online go to:http://health.mo.gov/living/families/genetics/newbornscreening/index.php

###


###