Connecticut Newborn Screening Program

Early detection saves lives

Every year, about 35,000 babies are born in Connecticut. Right after birth, babies get a few simple tests before they leave the hospital. The set of tests is newborn screening (NBS). Newborn screening allows for early detection and treatment of serious health problems. Early treatment can help your child to live a full, happy, and healthy life.

What Tests Do Babies Get?

  • Bloodspot screening: A small drop of blood is taken from your baby’s heel and tested for over 60 health conditions
  • Pulse oximetry screen: checks for serious heart problems
  • Hearing test: screens for hearing loss
Learn more about the Newborn Screening Program and its history  

Get the information you need about newborn screening

Information for Parents
 Learn why newborn screening is important, how it is done, and the next steps after screening. Access forms and fact sheets for parents.

NICUs and Birth Hospitals
The newborn screening process starts at the birth hospital or center. View information targeted at sites that collect newborn bloodspot samples in CT.

Healthcare Practitioners
View newborn screening regulations and guidelines. Learn about disorders on the newborn screening panel and how to follow up on out-of-range results.

What is on the CT Newborn Screening Panel?

The Connecticut Newborn Screening Panel can detect over 60 disorders. Connecticut screens for disorders that are on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) and for disorders that have been legislatively mandated by the State. The RUSP is decided by the US Department of Health and Human Services. States use this panel to guide their screening initiatives.

Connecticut Newborn Screening Panel

All newborns in Connecticut receive a newborn screening bloodspot test within 24–48 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. 

NBS Materials and Resources

Order newborn screening supplies, access forms, and get questions answered

Education and clinical information on newborn screening

The Connecticut Newborn Screening Network 

Positive newborn screening results are sent to the Connecticut Newborn Screening Network (the Network). Their team of doctors, genetic counselors & nurses provide follow-up care.

Newborn Screening CT Train Course 

Take our online training course to learn about the newborn screening process. This course has been designed for hospital staff, nurses, and midwives. 

Watch our CT Newborn Screening Program video

Make sure your baby is healthy

Newborn screening saves lives. It has been declared one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 21st century by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We understand, though, that you may have questions.

Watch this short video to learn:

  • Why newborn screening is necessary and important
  • Testimonials from children and families who have benefitted from newborn screening
  • A step-by-step walkthrough of the newborn screening process
  • Clinical information and guidelines for providers

Contact the Newborn Screening Program

Our Contact Information

Submit any questions to the CT Newborn Screening Program. We monitor this mailbox Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you do not receive an answer within 2 business days or you need help immediately, please call us during regular business hours.
 
Phone: 📞 (860) 920-6628
 
Fax: 📠 (860) 730-8385
 
Email: 📧 dph.nbstracking@ct.gov
Ask the Newborn Screening Program a question