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NBS Specimen Collection – Special Circumstances

Multiple Births (Twins, Triplets, etc.)

When collecting Newborn Screens for multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.), please take extra care in completing the demographic information.

Accurate information on the demographic form is vital to testing, result follow-up, and linking of patients’ screens. Fill out the demographic form completely and accurately. Important things to remember when collecting specimens for infants of a multiple birth:

Multiple Birth 1 Form

Transferred Infants

For infants that need to be transferred to another facility:

  • Transferring facility must collect the newborn screen before transfer, unless the baby is so unstable that it cannot be done safely.
  • If the screen is not done before transfer the transferring facility must ensure the receiving facility is aware of the need for screening to still be completed.

Transfused Infants

For infants that need to be transfused:

  • Collect the first newborn screen before transfusion. Transfusions, even small ones, can impact testing and may invalidate results. 
  • Collect the second newborn screen as usual; at age 7-14 days of age. 
  • If the first newborn screen was not collected before transfusion, follow these recommendations: 
    • Collect a third specimen 3 months post transfusion.
    • Or collect when red blood cells can be presumed to be from the baby.

When completing the demographics form, transfusions are noted under status.

Status1

  • If the first newborn screen was collected before transfusion:
    • DO NOT include transfused in status
  • For second screens collected on transfused infants:
    • Include transfused in status

Infants On Heparin

For infants who are on heparin:

  • Heparin and EDTA present in the blood at time of collection may interfere with newborn screening test methods.
  • Results may be reported as unsatisfactory and require a repeat collection.

When completing the demographics form note that the newborn is ‘On Medications’ under status.

Infants On Heparin

View a complete Newborn Screening Analyte Interference List from APHL.

Premature Infants

Premature infants may have persistent abnormalities in newborn screening test results without having an abnormal condition, however:

  • A premature infant with abnormal screening results should be re-screened at the time of discharge or when requested by the Newborn Screening program (whichever comes first).
  • Physical or metabolic signs suggestive of the presence of a screened condition should immediately prompt appropriate diagnostic testing for the suspected disorder.

Infants on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

  • When possible, collect the newborn screen before initiating TPN.
  • If the screen is not collected prior to TPN, the specimens should be collected at the 24-48 hour period as long as they are collected by heel stick. DO NOT COLLECT DIRECTLY FROM THE TPN LINE.
  • TPN may interfere with the newborn screen by causing elevated results for many of the analytes masking a true disorder, particularly with the Amino Acid Disorders.
  • If an infant is on TPN, please note this on the demographic form of the Newborn Screening Kit in the “Feed” section.

Infants with Casts on Both Feet

  • If the infant’s 1st screen was normal, obtain the 2nd screen when the casts are changed or removed.
  • If the infant’s 1st screen was abnormal, follow Newborn Screening Clinical Care Coordination guidelines.
  • If the infant’s 1st screen was unsatisfactory, follow Alternative Methods for Collecting a Newborn Screen Guidelines.

Infants Adopted / Fostered / Wards of State

If an infant is adopted, fostered, or is a ward of the court or state:
Complete the Demographic Information of the Specimen Collection Form as follows:

  • “Mother’s Information” – enter information to reflect who the child will be in the care of upon release from the healthcare facility.
  • Mother’s contact information – enter contact information for the child’s caregiver in the event follow-up is needed.
  • If the 1st screen kit/serial number is known, enter in the “Previous Specimen Serial Number” section of the demographic form of the Newborn Screening kit.

The screening can be done up to a year old if it is not known whether the child had one or either of the screens.

Collecting the Newborn Screen on Older Children

Although the Texas NBS Laboratory does not reject specimens collected on older children, please keep in mind:

  • The recommended collection time periods and the NBS testing methodologies have been designed to minimize the number of false negative and false positive results in newborns and young infants.
  • When the newborn screen specimen is collected before 24 hours of age or on older children, the test may not identify some of the newborn screened conditions. If there is a clinical concern, diagnostic testing should be initiated.

Other Resources

Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

Newborn Screening - Healthcare Provider Resources