The blood dries on the paper and is sent to a laboratory where several types of tests can be performed. This method of specimen collection and transport to the testing laboratory was first made popular with the use of the test for PKU developed by Dr. Robert Guthrie. Based on PKU screening success and automation of the procedure, tests for other disorders were developed that could be applied to the same filter paper specimen that was submitted for PKU screening. Some metabolic disorders that cannot be detected through blood screening are readily detected in urine in a limited number of screening programs. Urine specimens are usually obtained when an infant is 3 to 4 weeks old.
Parents obtain the specimen by pressing a filter paper card onto the baby's wet diaper.
For such testing a specimen kit is usually sent home with the parents when the baby leaves the hospital. There are literally thousands of babies a year that die or are severely damaged by conditions that can be detected through expanded newborn screening. We can be reached between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m Pacific Time, or click here to receive an information kit .