Office of Newborn Screening

Testing & Specimen Collection

Our office is responsible for all newborn screening in Arizona and includes both bloodspot and hearing. This section deals with best practice guidelines related to bloodspot collection using a filter paper collection device (e.g., a kit).

• Collection Process
• Specimen Retention
• Abnormal Results
• Special Considerations
• Fees and Payments

The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) publishes a guideline for specimen collection (LA4-A5, Vol. 27 No. 20: Blood Collection on Filter Paper for Newborn Screening Programs; Approved Standard - Fifth Edition). It is accompanied by a DVD entitled, Making a Difference Through Newborn Screening: Blood Collection on Filter Paper. The Office of Newborn Screening offers the following for staff training.

• Hemoglobinopathies (new protocol began February 13, 2012)
  • Important Message from Victor Waddell, Bureau Chief, State Laboratory Services
  • Understanding the New Protocol for Hemoglobinopathies
• Are you sending bloodspot specimens on cards that have expired?
  • Order current cards. Please pass this information on to whoever is in charge of your card supply.
• detailed instructions on the specimen collection process
• specimen collection – procedures
• a 30-minute DVD, Making a Difference Through Newborn Screening: Blood Collection on Filter Paper, that includes:
  • an introduction to the history and importance of newborn screening and the disorders screened
    (NOTE: Arizona does not screen for toxoplasmosis)
  • instructions on proper specimen collection and handling
  • a family's story of a son born with homocystinuria
  To obtain a copy of this training video, contact the Education Group at 602-364-1462.