How to Collect

Healthcare Professionals

Obtaining Valid, Testable Specimens and Completely Filling Out the Card, Is Vital to the Well-Being of Utah’s Newborns.

The Utah Department of Health laboratory receives hundreds of Newborn Screening specimens each year that are missing vital information or have blood that is unsatisfactory for testing. This causes delays in screening and puts infants at risk.

The Newborn Screening Program has prepared a comprehensive “Practitioner’s Manual” that will walk you through the steps of successful sample collection, card completion, drying, and transferring of samples to the newborn screening lab.

Please print out this manual and keep on hand for your reference. A summary of this manual is outlined below.

Watch (Free Access): Blood Collection on Filter Paper CLSI NBS01-ED7 or video (no audio)

Practitioner's Manual
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Summary of Collection Steps

Fill out the Newborn Screening Card:

  • View a sample card here .
  • Clearly print ALL information in spaces provided in BLUE or BLACK ink.
  • Check all information for accuracy.

Complete the First Sample Collection within 24-48 hours of birth:

  • View step-by-step instructions here .
  • ONE large drop of blood per circle. Fill all 7 circles.
  • Do not use a capillary tube for collection as it may damage the card and alter the results.

Complete the Second Collection between 7-16 days after birth

  • Complete all information on the second card as detailed above.
  • Replacement cards are available if parent does not have original second card. Order replacement cards here. Write the original card number from the first screening below the replacement card number.
  • The original card number is available through the birthing facility or the Newborn Screening Program at 801-584-8256.

After Collection

  • Dry horizontally at room temperature for three hours. Drying racks are available at no charge.
  • Once dry, fold the biohazard flap over the sample and place in envelope provided.
  • Send the sample to the Newborn Screening Lab within 24 hours of collection. The use of a courier is recommended.