Programs
Newborn Screening
Program Overview
The Kansas Newborn Screening (NBS) Blood Spot Program screens all babies born in Kansas for 34 different metabolic and genetic disorders at no cost to families. These conditions are serious but treatable with early detection and timely intervention. State law requires all babies born in the state to have a newborn screen shortly after birth to ensure all Kansas newborns have access to early intervention if they are identified as having one of these conditions.
Background
The Kansas NBS Blood Spot Program is a public health program that started in 1965 with the screening of phenylketonuria (PKU). Since then, Kansas has added an additional 33 metabolic and genetic conditions to the newborn screening panel.
Goal
The program aims to identify babies who may have these conditions before symptoms appear. Early intervention before symptoms appear allows babies identified with a condition the best possible chance at healthy outcomes. Kansas is an implied consent state, so screening will occur for all newborns unless the parents or guardians refuse screening.
How It Works
A trained medical professional (such as a nurse or midwife) takes six drops of blood from a newborn’s heel shortly after birth. The dried blood spots are sent to the state lab for testing. The screening at the state lab is used to identify babies that may be at risk for one or more conditions. If a screening comes back as out-of-range, additional testing is usually required.
Cards with normal results are stored for no more than 30 days. Collection cards with out-of-range results are kept for laboratory validation purposes only.
Cost
Kansas is one of only a few U.S. states that do not charge for newborn bloodspot screening. The cost of the cards and screening is covered under the Newborn Screening Fee Fund. In some circumstances, the Kansas Special Health Care Needs program can cover a one-time diagnostic test free of charge.
Contact Us
Zachary Leeker
NBS Blood Spot Program Manager
785-296-7044
zachery.leeker@ks.gov
Michelle Black
Lead NBS Follow-Up Coordinator
785-296-3366
michelle.black@ks.gov
Marilee Lowrey
NBS Follow-Up Coordinator
785-368-8376
marilee.lowrey@ks.gov
Shane Morris
Education & Outreach Coordinator
785-296-8212
shane.morris@ks.gov
General Contact Information
Phone: 785-296-3363
Fax: 785-559-4245 (for reporting purposes)
Kansas Newborn Screening Laboratory
6810 SE Dwight Street
Topeka, KS 66620
Phone: 785-296-1620
Fax: 785-559-5209
Information for Health Care Professionals
The resources below provide additional information for health care professionals and physicians about newborn blood spot screening protocols in Kansas.