Here’s what parents should know about the Newborn Screening Program:
Every baby born in Connecticut receives a newborn screening bloodspot test within 24 to 48 hours after birth. A few drops of blood are collected from the baby’s heel and sent to the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory. These tests help detect rare but treatable conditions early—before symptoms appear.
Why is Newborn Screening Important?
Babies with certain disorders may appear healthy at birth but can develop:
- Slow brain development
- Feeding difficulties
- Poor weight gain
- Severe illness
- Risk of death
Early detection and treatment through newborn screening can prevent serious health problems and save lives.
Parent Flyer on the Connecticut Newborn Screening Program
What Does a “Out-of-Range or Abnormal" Result Mean?
A screen positive, out-of-range, or abnormal result does not mean your baby has a disorder. It means further evaluation is needed.
Possible causes of an out-of-range or abnormal result:
- If you took certain medications while pregnant
- If your baby was born early
- If your baby’s blood was collected too soon
- If your baby had certain treatments while in the hospital
- For many other reasons
Next Steps: Abnormal or Out-of-Range NBS Result
If your baby has an abnormal or out-of-range result, the Connecticut Newborn Screening Program will report the result to your baby’s doctor.
Your doctor may:
- Examine your baby
- Ask about conditions that run in your family
- Repeat the bloodspot screening
- Order additional tests
- Have your baby see a doctor who specializes in newborn screening related disorders
Parent Information Sheet on Out-of-Range or Abnormal Newborn Screening Result
Resources for parents
You can also find more information on newborn screening and children’s health through these organizations:
- Baby's First Test: The nation's newborn screening clearinghouse - Facts, advice and support for parents and professionals
- CCHD Screening Program Page: Learn more about critical congenital heart disease screening (CCHD) in Connecticut
- Parent Fact Sheets on Newborn Screening Disorders: Learn more about the disorders on the CT NBS Panel and view fact sheets
- Early Detection and Intervention Program: The EDHI program ensures all Connecticut newborns receive hearing screenings at birth, or by one month of age.
- HRSA Newborn Screening: HRSA’s Newborn Screening Information Center (NBSIC) provides clear and up-to-date information, materials, and resources about NBS in the U.S.
- The Connecticut Newborn Screening Network: Positive newborn screening results are sent to the Connecticut Newborn Screening Network. Their team of doctors, genetic counselors, nurses, and a nurse analyst provides follow-up care.