Newborn Screening Program
General Information
New Information and Updates
New Information and Updates
Health Provider Information
Health Provider Information
Contact Us
Contact Us
- Mailing Address:
Newborn Screening Program
New York State Department of Health
Wadsworth Center
Empire State Plaza
P.O. Box 509
Albany, NY 12201-0509 - Phone: (518) 473-7552
- Email: nbsinfo@health.state.ny.us
The Newborn Screening Program in the Division of Genetic Disorders performs more than 11 million tests annually for more than 40 congenital diseases and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The tests are conducted on the quarter of a million babies born each year in New York State.
Although most of
the disorders are rare, they are usually serious. Some may
be life threatening; others may slow down a baby's
physical development or cause mental retardation or other
problems if left untreated. None of the disorders can be
cured. However, serious side effects can be lessened, and
often completely prevented, if a special diet or other
medical intervention is started early. Without treatment to
reduce transmission, a quarter of babies exposed to HIV
actually develop the disease.
The tests for all of these conditions are performed on one tiny sample of blood (Guthrie spot) obtained by pricking the baby's heel.
The sample is usually taken the day of hospital discharge.
The blood is collected and then dried on a special paper
which is sent to the Newborn Screening Program for testing.
Test results are reported to physicians and specialty care
centers.