Newborn Screening for Premature and Sick Infants

Infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are screened three times.

• 1^st screen: collected upon admission prior to administering treatment
• 2^nd screen: collected between 48-72 hours of age
• 3^rd screen: collected at 28 days of age or at time of discharge whichever comes first

If the infant is discharged before 9 days old, the 3rd newborn screening card should be given to family. The parent shall bring the 3rd card to the baby's first appointment with a Pediatrician.

If the infant is discharged between 10-28 days old, the 3rd screen is collected at time of discharge.

If the infant is still in NICU at 28 days of age, the 3rd screen is collected at 28 days of age.

Reminder For Parents:

Do's

• DO… provide your current valid physical address including apartment number, working phone number, and an alternative contact person and their working phone number. This information is recorded on the specimen card submitted by the hospital to the state laboratory and is used to contact you in case of abnormal results.
• DO… call your baby's doctor with your new address and phone number if you move after the sample is collected.
• DO… call the state laboratory @ (775) 682-6238 or follow-up @ (702) 289-4578 if you change your baby's doctor after discharge from the hospital. This ensures that test results are sent to the new doctor without delay.
• DO… remember to bring third card to your baby's first appointment.
• DO… talk to your baby's doctor about test results and other questions about newborn screening.
• DO… promptly follow doctor's recommendation(s) in the event of abnormal results and need for further testing.
• DO… respond promptly with request for repeat sample in case third sample is deemed unsatisfactory for testing or results come back abnormal.
• DO… make sure all information fields on the card are completely filled out to avoid delays in releasing test results.

Don'ts

• DON'T… provide non-working phone numbers (disconnected, not in service, unable to receive calls) or omit apartment number or invalid address. This causes delays in contacting you in case of abnormal results that necessitates prompt follow- up testing and potential treatment for your baby.
• DON'T… throw away third card as this is needed to collect third screen.
• DON'T… send third card without blood.
• DON'T… delay or ignore further testing recommendations from your baby's doctor in case of abnormal results. Failure to comply promptly with required action(s) is considered medical neglect and will trigger an automatic referral to public health nurse OR Child Protective Services.

Thank you for having your baby screened!

Thank you for having your baby screened!