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Test Code LAB480 Newborn Screen, Blood Spot

Additional Codes

Newborn Screen IL (if patient is born in IL order): LAB5769

NOTICE

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) performs laboratory screening for mandated genetic / metabolic conditions on all infants born in Missouri so that early detection and intervention promotes healthy outcomes for those infants with these conditions. It is a state law that each infant born in the state of Missouri is screened for metabolic and genetic disorders.

The Newborn Screening Laboratory currently screens for the following:

Biotinidase Deficiency (BIOT)

Classic Galactosemia (GALT)

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH)

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Amino Acid Disorders

Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders

Organic Acid Disorders

Hemoglobinopathies

Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Performing Laboratory

Missouri State Public Health Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation: Warm infant's heel for at least 1-2 minutes to increase blood flow

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred/Acceeptable: Newborn Screen filter card

Submission Container/Tube: Allow blood spot to thoroughly air dry for 3-4 hours in a horizontal position, away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not allow the blood to touch any surface during the drying, including other parts of the card. Once dry, cover the blood spots with overlay of card before sending.

Specimen Collection Volume: 5 defined rings in collection area must be completely full of blood by a single application/drop of blood per ring.

Special Collection Instructions: Schedule collec

  • Follow "Blood Collection Form Instructions" on back of filter card.
  • Allow blood to thoroughly air dry
  • Blood collection tubes and capillary tubes with EDTA, Citrate, or Heparin additives must NOT be used to aid in collection.
  • If infant was born in Illinois and needs screening test, you will need to collect using Illinois Newborn Screening form.

 

Sample Rejection

Mislabled or unlabeled specimens

All specimens received at the state newborn screening laboratory are examined for specimen acceptability. When the newborn screening laboratory determines a specimen to be poor quality, a same-day fax report is sent to the collecting facility and physician of record requesting a repeat newborn screen immediately.

Logistics

Test Availability: Monday-Sunday

Cut-off time (for analysis): State pick-up is 1400-1500 Monday-Friday & Sunday 1200-1300, if specimen misses pick-up it will be sent following day.

Turnaround Time: varies

Reference Values

Reference Interval: Normal

Critical Value: None established

NOTE: results that require immediate attention, such as high risk results, are phoned and faxed to both the hospital and the physician by Missouri State Public Health Laboratory. The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory contacts a newborn screening follow-up center immediately for appropriate follow-up testing, consultation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Limitations

  • NA

Additional Information

FOR SLCH CORE LABORATORY USE ONLY

Lab Processing Instructions: Allow blood spot to thoroughly air dry for 3-4 hours in a horizontal position, away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not allow the blood to touch any surface during the drying, including other parts of the card. Once dry, cover the blood spots with overlay of card.

Processed Volume: Blood collection form with all five circles completely filled by single application per circle.

Specimen transport: Place card in 'State Lab' box in Central receiving for State lab pick-up

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type    Temperature    Time     
Blood Spot card    Ambient NA
  Refrigerated      NA  
  Frozen  NA   

Forms should be sent to SPHL within 24 hours of collection

NOTE: to contact the Newborn Screening Laboratory if needed, call 573-751-2662

 

Test Classification and CPT Code

CPT code not applicable

LOINC

NA

Last Reviewed

08/2025