About the Lab

The Texas Newborn Screening (NBS) Laboratory tests nearly 800,000 specimens each year. These specimens are tested for more than 50 disorders or medical conditions. Texas law (Health and Safety Code, Chapter 33) requires these laboratory tests to help find infants who may have one or more of the disorders or medical conditions.

Finding and treating these disorders early can prevent serious complications, such as growth problems, developmental delays, deafness, blindness, intellectual disabilities, seizures, and sudden or early death.

The Newborn Screening tests require a simple heel stick blood sample collected from newborns 24-48 hours after birth. A second sample is collected when the baby is 7-14 days, a minimum of 168 hours, of age. If the result for one of the laboratory tests is outside of the expected range, the NBS Program's Clinical Care Coordination Group will immediately begin follow-up with a healthcare provider. Two point of care screens are also conducted at the birthing facility.

Resources

• Newborn Screening: More Than Drops On a Card 
• Newborn Screening Laboratory Brochure
• Use and Storage of Newborn Screening Blood Spot Cards
• Newborn Screening Annual Report