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Supplemental Newborn Screening
Information for Health Care and State Facilities
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Specimen Collection Instructions
The specimen collection procedure is identical to that of the state-mandated newborn screening. The specimen collection instructions are printed on the back of each screening card and are as follows:
Routine Collection:
1. Place limb in dependent position
2. Sterilize skin with alcohol, dry and puncture with disposable lancet.
3. Allow drops to form and apply directly to filter paper. Apply to one side of paper while viewing from other side to insure complete saturation of entire circle.
4. Fill in all circles.
5. Allow card to dry thoroughly in a horizontal position (minimum dry time - 3 hours).
Do Not:
• Do not mail wet.
• Do not stack.
• Do not handle circled areas.
Special Notes:
• This screening method was originally designed for the newborn. Modifications to the method now allow for screening patients of all ages.
• Screening performed on an older child does not require a heel-stick; a finger-stick or venipuncture is appropriate.
• Although the screening card is designed with three circles for specimen collection, one completely filled and fully saturated circle will be acceptable.
• Proper blood drawing procedures should be followed. The filter paper section of the card should not be touched with bare hands as it can result in sample contamination.
• Do not remove the protective flap with the biohazard label. This is a U.S. Mailing Requirement and is necessary to protect the blood spot against contamination.
• The screening card should be allowed to dry thoroughly (approximately 3 hours) in a horizontal position and placed the provided glassine storage envelope. Do not place a wet spot in a glassine envelope as it will cause bacterial contamination.
• Only one dried screening card should be placed in each glassine envelope. For shipping purposes, the glassine envelope should be placed in a regular envelope or specimen transport bag.
• Samples can be sent to the Institute directly by U.S. Mail Service, Federal Express, etc. The IMD recommends using a trackable courier.
• Screening cards may be shipped individually or in a batch together with a specimen transmittal list. Remember that each card should have its own glassine envelope.
• A peel off mailing label is located on the back of the screening card.
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