Programs
Blood Spot Card Ordering,
Newborn Screening Blood Spot Collection cards (Neonatal Screening on request form) can be ordered by using the following link and filling out the required information:
You can also send a completed requisition order form to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories. Order form:
Storage
The Newborn Screening filter paper on the collection card is sensitive to heat, humidity, and abrasion. To protect the filter paper before collection, follow these storage guidelines.
- Store the filter paper in a sealed plastic bag. If available, put a desiccant pack inside the sealed bag to absorb humidity. You can continue to store filter paper inside the plastic packaging in which they arrived. However, if that packaging has an opening, please transfer the cards to a sealed plastic bag.
- Keep the cards in an upright (vertical) position to keep the filter paper from becoming abraded.
- Store the cards in an area where they are protected from heat. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this will create heat. Also, make sure that the cards are not stored in an area of your office where the temperature will fluctuate, such as next to a radiator or air conditioner.
Shipping
Ship the dried blood spot cards so that they arrive at the state lab within 24 hours of the collection. Follow these tips when shipping dried blood spot cards:
- Blood spot specimens should dry for a minimum of 4 hours. Be sure the blood spots are completely dry before closing the coverlet and putting them in the envelope.
- Ship using FedEx Overnight or UPS Next Day Air. Do not ship using the United States Postal Service. The priority mail service offered by the USPS will not be able to deliver the dried blood spot cards to the lab within the required 24 hours.
- Avoid using envelopes with an interior plastic lining, as this will trap humidity and possibly cause the dried blood to become wet during transit.
- Double check that all necessary information is complete on the demographic card. This is especially true for the date of collection, time of collection, and the primary care provider.