Newborn Screening Program
Commonly Asked Questions
What is newborn screening?
Newborn
screening is a special blood test for newborns.
Newborn screening helps parents find out if their baby has certain
health problems. A newborn baby can look healthy, but have a serious
disorder that cannot be seen. If not treated, these disorders can lead to
slow growth, severe illness, brain damage, or possibly death. Early
treatment can help prevent these serious problems.
Why must my baby be
screened?
Most babies look healthy when they are born. We test all babies
because a few babies look healthy but may have a rare disorder that needs
early treatment to prevent serious health problems.
Wisconsin law (Wisconsin
Statutes Chapter 253.13) (exit DHFS) requires that all babies born
in hospitals in Wisconsin have newborn screening before they leave the
hospital. Babies born at home must be tested within a week of birth.
As a parent, you may refuse newborn screening for your baby only if
your religious beliefs and practices do not allow this testing. If you
refuse to have the tests done, you may be asked to sign a paper stating
that you refused to have your baby tested for these very serious
disorders.
How much does the newborn
screening test cost?
The current cost of the newborn screening test is $69.50.
The
cost of the newborn screening test is usually covered by health insurance.
However, if you do not have health insurance or your insurance will not
cover newborn screening and you are unable pay for the test yourself,
please contact the Newborn Screening Coordinator at the Wisconsin Division
of Public Health at (608) 266-8904.
How is the
screening done?
Before your baby leaves the hospital a few drops of blood from your
baby's heel are put onto a special test paper and sent to the Wisconsin
State Lab of Hygiene to be tested. The test is simple and safe.
Some babies cry when their heel is pricked, but the discomfort lasts only
a short time. There is a small risk of infection when the heel is pricked.
This risk is very low.
The newborn screen is most accurate if your baby’s blood is taken
after the first 24 hours of his or her life. If your baby's newborn
screening heelstick was done before 24 hours of age, your doctor may ask
you to repeat the test when your baby is 1 to 2 weeks old. However, if
your baby was born prematurely or needed special care after birth, the
timing of repeat testing may be different.
What disorders are
screened for in Wisconsin?
Learn more about the 47 disorders for
which the Wisconsin Newborn Screening Program currently screens.
Can my baby be
screened for other disorders?
Early detection of hearing loss can lead
to improved speech and language skills.
(Go
to the Universal Newborn Hearing
Screening Program
page for more information.)
Many hospitals are offering this screening for newborns.
Ask if your baby will be screened for hearing loss.
No one test can detect all disorders in
newborns. There may be other
rare disorders that can be detected in the newborn period that are not
included in the newborn screening test.
For more information, talk with your baby’s doctor.
How will I get the
results?
Your baby's
doctor will receive a report with the test results.
Make sure to ask your baby's doctor about the results of your baby's
newborn screen. You have the right to ask your doctor or nurse to explain
the screening process and to provide the results to you.
What if my baby's
test is abnormal?
An abnormal
newborn screening result does not mean that your baby has a disorder.
This is a screening test that finds babies who may be at risk for a
disorder. If your baby’s
newborn screen is abnormal, your doctor will talk with you about the next
steps to take. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for more testing
and genetic counseling. Then, if your baby is diagnosed with a disorder,
treatment will be started to prevent possible problems.
How are the
disorders treated?
Each
disorder is different. Some are
treated with a special diet and others with medicine.
If treated early, many babies grow up to lead a normal, healthy life.
In a few cases, the disorders may not be completely treatable. Early
diagnosis and treatment will allow your baby the best chance of normal
growth and development.
How can I help my baby?
Make sure your baby is tested before you leave the hospital.
Leave your correct address and phone number with the birth hospital and
your baby's doctor. If you do not have a phone, leave the number of
a friend or relative who can find you.
If your baby's doctor asks you to bring your baby back to repeat the
newborn screening test or for further testing, do so as soon as
possible. It is important that testing be done right away.
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