Latest newborn screening news

Newborn Screening Article Published in Minnesota Health Care News

Minnesota Health Care News is a monthly publication aimed at educating, engaging and empowering the reader. They recently published an article titled, "Newborn screening: Simple tests produce lifetime benefits" in their March 2013 issue.

"Since 1965, newborn screening has identified nearly 5,000 Minnesota infants who, because screening detected rare medical disorders, were able to receive early treatment that prevented serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls newborn screening one of the great public health accomplishments of the 21st century."

Newborn screening: Simple tests produce lifetime benefits. (PDF: 371KB/2 pages)
(published April 11, 2013)

50th Anniversary of Newborn Screening

Want to know more about the 50th Anniversary of Newborn Screening? Check out our web page that contains all of the details about this celebration.

50th Anniversary of Newborn Screening

Join us in celebrating 50 years of Newborn Screening at the State Capitol

- March 8 11-12:30
- Great Hall of the State Capitol

Join us in celebrating years of saving babies' lives through Newborn Screening (PDF: 383KB/1 page)
(published March 4, 2013)

Newborn Bloodspots Save Lives...One Spot at a Time

When a bloodspot sample is taken from an infant for newborn screening, a few drops of blood from the heel are collected into circles on a special filter paper. These samples are dried and then sent to the laboratory for screening. The blood-filled circles are known as newborn bloodspots, and they are essential not only for the life- saving screening, but also to assure the quality of the current screening and for development of new screening tests. The video provides a clear discussion of these and other critical issues about newborn screening.

Newborn Bloodspots Save Lives...One Spot at a Time (video: 17 minutes)
(published January 29, 2013)

Newborn Screening Can Help Prevent Problems

In honor of Newborn Screening Awareness Month in September, CDC has posted a web feature on newborn screening.

Newborn Screening Can Help Prevent Problems
(published August 31, 2012)

Growing Up With Galactosemia

A Minnesota story about the difference that Newborn Screening makes.

Growing Up With Galactosemia (SaveBabiesFoundation YouTube video: 7 minutes)
(published August 21, 2012)

ALERT: Change in Newborn Screening Fax number

Please note that the fax number for the Newborn Screening Program has changed. Please use fax number 651-215-6285. We will work to ensure the number is updated on all of our forms.
(published July 31, 2012)

Current State of Newborn Screening in Minnesota

The MN Department of Health recently offered webinars containing information about changes to the Newborn Screening Program and how these changes affect birth facilities and prenatal care providers. You are welcome to view the webinar content that includes the background of the 2012 legislation, the summary of newborn screening changes that are effective August 1, 2012, the new requirements for birth facilities/prenatal care providers, and who to contact if you have questions.

Birth Facilities - Current State of Newborn Screening in Minnesota (PPT: 1.37MB/20 pages)

Prenatal Care Providers - Current State of Newborn Screening in Minnesota (PPT: 1.92MB/21 pages)
(published July 26, 2012)

Newborn Screening Fact Sheet

The Fact Sheet is designed to answer parents’ questions about newborn screening. The Newborn Screening Program offers this Fact Sheet free of charge. All parents should receive this Fact Sheet before newborn screening is done. To get copies of the Fact Sheet call the Newborn Screening Program at (800) 664-7772 or use the Education Materials Ordering Form.

Newborn Screening Factsheet (PDF: 223KB/2 pages)
(published July 23, 2012)

Prenatal Provider Education Letter
The following letter was sent to clinic administrators and prenatal care providers to notify them of legislative changes that impact the information they provide to expectant parents regarding newborn screening
Prenatal provider education letter (PDF: 30KB/2 pages)
(published July 16, 2012)

Legislative Changes Letter
The following letter was sent to Nursery Managers, Laboratory Directors, and Hospital Administrators on Tuesday July 3, to notify them of legislative changes that impact Newborn Screening
Legislative changes letter (PDF: 129KB/2 pages)
(published July 5, 2012)

Legislative Changes to the Minnesota Newborn Screening Program

Minnesota Statutes §144.125 and §144.128, Minnesota's newborn screening laws, were revised during the 2012 legislative session. The revisions require birth hospitals and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to change certain specimen collection and processing practices.
State Laws
(published July 5, 2012)

Latest newborn screening news

On Thursday May 10, 2012, Governor Dayton signed Newborn Screening legislation (Chapter 292, House File 2967) into law. This legislation amends the current Newborn Screening statute and results in several programmatic changes. The Newborn Screening Program is currently addressing these changes and will be notifying providers of the impact in the near future. Please call the program at 651-201-5466 if you have specific questions.
(published May 25, 2012)

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