Collection Notification

The Kansas State NBS Lab is seeing an increase in TSH abnormal results. This can be in part due to the newborn screen being collected prior to 24 hours after birth.  Collection prior to 24 hours can cause TSH values to be falsely elevated and require a redraw. When collecting the newborn screen, please verify collection occurs when the baby is at least 24 hours of age and if possible, not more than 48 hours of age. While the goal is to screen as close to 24 hours as possible, it is much better to collect after the 24-hour timeframe than before due to the potential false positive result that can occur. Collection cards that indicate collection before 24 hours are marked invalid. It is critically important to the screening that the collection not occur until the baby is at least 24 hours of age. Deviation from this protocol can result in an increased burden to the collecting facility, the NBS program and ultimately families who need to be seen for a recollection. For additional information please refer to CLSI guidelines or contact Shane.Morris@ks.gov  for any training support needs. Thank you for all you do to support newborn screening in Kansas