Newborn Screening Parent Resources

Every baby born in Texas gets two newborn screening blood tests that check for several rare disorders.  

• More Than Drops on a Card – Watch a five-minute video featuring two Texas families sharing the importance of newborn screening tests and timely follow-up care. 
• 10 Things Parents Want to Know About Newborn Screening 

Newborn Screening Test Results

Parents can get all the newborn screening test results from their baby’s doctor. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will send the results to the doctor in one to two weeks.

If one or more test results are out of the expected range, newborn screening clinical care coordination staff will follow up with the baby’s doctor to make sure the appropriate next steps are taken. The doctor or staff member will contact parents.

Abnormal test results from the laboratory may need additional tests to either clear or diagnose the baby. DSHS staff will follow up to make sure that the baby receives confirmatory testing and treatment if needed. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications such as growth problems, developmental delays, deafness or blindness, intellectual disability, seizures, or even early death. View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at Texas Newborn Screening FAQs. 

Financial Help for Newborn Screening Conditions 

The Newborn Screening (NBS) Benefits Program has limited financial help available for infants, children, and adults who have an abnormal newborn screen or are diagnosed with a NBS disorder. Individuals with the highest need will receive priority. As the NBS Benefits Program is a payer of last resort, all applicants first must apply for Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) before applying for NBS benefits.

If eligible, the following benefits are provided to individuals at no or reduced cost:  

• Dietary supplements, metabolic foods (formulas), and low protein foods;  
• Medications;
• Reimbursement to specialists for telephone consultations.

Email NBS Benefits for more information.

Additional Newborn Screening Resources for Families

TEXAS 

• Newborn Screening Testing: For Your Baby's Health – Why newborn screening is important. 
• Screened Disorders – Fact sheets on newborn screening conditions.
• Clinical Care Coordination Consultants – Lists of medical specialists for newborn screening conditions; and
•  Newborn Screening Program Benefits Forms – Link to download Applicant Packet under headings, “Newborn Screening Program Benefits Forms” and “Eligibility Forms.”

NATIONAL 

• A Parent's Guide to Newborn Screening – Five-minute video on Newborn Screening 
• Baby’s First Test – Facts, advice, and support for parents and professionals.
• Save Babies Through Screening Foundation – A non-profit organization that advocates for comprehensive newborn screening.
• Walking with Warriors – Information and resources for caregivers of people with sickle cell disease.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
• The Rare Sibling Experience – NORD video on the rare disease impact on families