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Screening Cards
Newborn Screening Card Guidelines
Storing and Handling New/Unused Newborn Screening Cards
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Store new cards upright, not flat. This helps to keep the fibers within the filter paper from becoming compressed. Compressed fibers lead to uneven saturation and quality issues.
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Store cards in a cool, dry location. This should be away from any direct sunlight or heat.
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Do not photocopy the cards. If you need a copy for your own reference, simply detach the yellow carbon copy.
Newborn Screening Card Expiration Date
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Every newborn screening card is printed with an expiration date. Always check the expiration date prior to performing the heel stick.
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NBS cards can be used for blood spot collection through the last day of the month of the expiration date printed on the card.
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Expired cards submitted for screening will be considered unsatisfactory and another screen will be requested, which could delay diagnosis and treatment. It is essential to review newborn screening card expiration dates regularly to help manage inventory.
Filling out the Newborn Screening Card
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The submitter is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information on the newborn screening card. Please take special care to fill out all fields as accurately as possible.
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If the information written on the newborn screening card needs to be updated after the card has already left your facility, complete a NBS Lab Change of Information Form and fax it to the NBS Laboratory at 317-321-2495 as soon as possible.
Handling Newborn Screening Cards after Heel Stick Collection
- Allow cards to lay flat for 3 hours to dry.
- It is best to elevate the card off the surface while drying. Use a drying rack when available.
- Immediately transport the NBS cards to the NBS Lab Courier pick-up location after they have dried for 3 hours. Do not leave NBS cards in dropboxes or mailboxes that are in direct sunlight.
Ordering Newborn Screening Cards
- If your facility is in need of more Newborn Screening cards please contact the NBS Laboratory Manager, Barb Lesko at bglesko@iupui.edu.
Page last revised 02/23/2021 by JHaller