Idaho state law requires the department's Newborn Screening (NBS) Program to test all infants born in Idaho for a number of rare but treatable disorders using a dried blood spot specimen. To make sure newborn screening tests are performed, Idaho Code designates practitioners as the responsible party for specimen collection. The definition of "practitioner" includes physicians, nurses, and midwives who deliver or care for infants in hospitals, birth centers, or homes.
Practitioners are integral to newborn screening in that they are responsible for collection and handling of specimens for every infant in their care, as well as parent education and prompt action on incomplete or abnormal results referred to them. If an infant is affected, the practitioner’s actions and decisions to ensure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment can have lifelong implications for the infant and the family.
Announcements
NEW SPECIMEN COLLECTION CARDS ARE HERE!
New specimen collection cards are being distributed. As we transition from the current (green) cards to the new (red) cards, we ask that you:
- Use your supply of the current (green) specimen collection cards before using the new (red) cards
- Review the instructions for how to complete the new (red) cards
Contact 208-334-5962 or NewbornScreening@dhw.idaho.gov with any questions.
CONTACT US:
For newborn screening program related inquiries, call the Idaho Newborn Screening Program: 208-334-5962
To get newborn screening results for patients with NO clinical concerns, send a fax with the following information to 208-334-4946:
- First and last name of the child
- Child’s date of birth
- Mothers first and last name
For healthcare providers requesting expedited laboratory results for patients WITH clinical concerns (that show as pending on SRV) call: 866-660-9050
Newborn screening kits
The Idaho Newborn Screening Program strongly encourages providers to order newborn screening kits online through Access Idaho.
Allow two to three weeks for the delivery of kit orders.
If you have any questions about your order, contact the Maternal and Child Health Section at 208-334-5962 or email NewbornScreening@dhw.idaho.gov.
NOTE: The State of Idaho mandates two tests. See Idaho Code 39-901 through 39-907 - Preventable Diseases in Infants and Newborns for details. Babies can be screened up to 6 months of age. The specimen of a baby older than 6 months will only be accepted by written request from the public health lab.
Washington newborn screening kit options
Washington State Public Health Lab
ATTN: NEWBORN SCREENING PROGRAM
1610 NE 150th St
Shoreline, WA 98155
Phone: 206-418-5410
Toll free: 866-660-9050
Fax: 206-363-1610
Lab receiving hours
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday and Holiday (except Thanksgiving): 8 a.m. – noon
Sunday and Thanksgiving: Closed
* Newborn screening specimens received by 10 a.m. will be set up for testing the same day.
Provider resources
Transfusions
Collect a specimen for the newborn screening test before giving blood to an infant. If there’s a transfusion before the first newborn screening specimen is collected, it can affect results for galactosemia, biotinidase deficiency, and hemoglobinopathies.
Parents who choose to not have newborn screening
- Should be provided with educational material regarding blood spot newborn screening
- Review the risk and benefits of blood spot newborn screening
- Sign a declination form for religious objection for the blood spot newborn screening
- Educate parents that a blood spot newborn screening can be collected up to 6 months of age
- Counsel parents about the Residual Blood Spot Specimen Return Form
450 W. State St., 4th Floor
Boise, ID 83702
United States