Detection is Protection.

Ask your baby’s doctor for newborn screening results. It could be a life changer.

An important first step in new parenthood is to make sure your baby has all parts of the newborn screening testing completed with all results delivered. Early detection and treatment of health issues can help your baby grow up healthier.

For Parents

Newborn screening is a state public health program that reaches nearly 4 million babies born in the United States each year. Approximately, a quarter of a million of those babies are born in Florida. Newborns are screened for certain genetic, endocrine, hemoglobinopathy, immunology, and metabolic conditions. Screenings for hearing loss and critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) are completed prior to discharge from a hospital or birth facility. Florida screens for more than 55 conditions, including those recommended by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). If a baby’s newborn screen is abnormal, parents will be notified, and the Newborn Screening Follow-up Program will ensure access to diagnostic testing to confirm results.

For Health Care Providers

Health care providers are the most trusted resource for information about newborn screening and are often responsible for collecting specimens for testing.  Samples should be collected correctly for accurate results. Get the best samples the first time by following these step-by-step instructions.

Conditions

Per section 383.14 Florida Statutes, the Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council recommends conditions for testing under the Newborn Screening Program. Florida screens for more than 55 conditions, including those identified  by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. 

About the Newborn Screening Program

Newborn screening identifies potentially debilitating and life-threatening conditions within the first weeks of an infant’s life, giving children in Florida the best possibility for early interventions and care. A few drops of blood are drawn from the newborn’s heel 24 to 48 hours after birth, and tests for hearing loss and critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) are conducted before the newborn leaves the hospital.  The hospital sends the blood sample to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories in Jacksonville, which screens more than 1,000 blood samples per day. All results are sent to the hospital and forwarded to the newborn’s physician. Patient results are also available to health care providers through the Florida Newborn Screening Results (FNSR) website. If screening results are abnormal, the Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program, which is a part of the Division of Children’s Medical Services, will contact the parents and/or the newborn’s physician to arrange for additional testing to rule out or confirm initial findings. 

Interactive Map

Newborn screening is critical to the timely diagnosis and immediate treatment of potentially debilitating and life-threatening conditions in babies. See how Florida birthing centers are performing based on the most current screening data.

Testing for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

The Florida Department of Health, Newborn Screening (NBS) Program, is pleased to announce that beginning April 27, 2020, all newborns screened will be tested for a new condition, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). If you have any questions, please contact the