Programs
About Newborn
Who We Are
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Family Health (BFH) is home to several regulatory programs designed to protect and preserve the public’s health, safety, and well-being.
Programs like the Newborn Screening Blood Spot Program provide public health services. Some conditions aren’t visible, and unless these conditions are identified and treated early, they can cause severe illness, developmental disability, or in some cases, death. Program staff are available to notify and assist both health care professionals and parents with the next steps in the process when screening results indicate follow-up is needed.
Mission/Vision
Vision: Improve quality of life and health outcomes
Mission: Through a data-driven approach and relationship building, Kansas Screening and Surveillance strives to improve equitable access to information, services, and support for newborns, parents and families.
History of Program
Newborn screening began in Kansas starting in 1965 with the development of the dried blood spot test for Phenylketonuria (PKU). The dried blood spot collection allowed for simpler specimen collection, more convenient shipping, and better storage. Screening for PKU was so successful that additional conditions were added to the screening panel over time to increase identification and intervention of impacted babies.
Currently, the Kansas Newborn Screening program screens for 34 of the 36 conditions on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) conditions. Kansas Newborn Screening has begun piloting for X-ALD with plans to begin piloting for MPS-II in the 4th quarter of 2023.
See to the right for the Timeline of Kansas Newborn Screening Conditions.
Click to expand the image.
Who, What, Where, When & Why of Blood Spot Screening in Kansas
Who collects the newborn screening in Kansas?
The blood spot collection will be performed by a trained medical professional, typically a nurse, midwife, phlebotomist, or physician.
What happens during the collection?
A trained medical professional will take a small amount of blood from your baby’s heel using special paper designed for collection. Once dried, the collected blood spots will be sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Laboratories for screening.
Where will the collection be performed?
Most collections will take place in the hospital before you go home. This may occur in the room with you or in a separate room depending on the policies of the hospital or screening facility. If a midwife is performing the screening, this will more than likely happen in your presence.
When will the collection occur?
The blood spot collection will happen once the child reaches 24 hours of age. If your newborn must be admitted to the NICU, then a collection will be obtained prior to 24 hours of age. Each NICU has their own policy and may collect up to 4 specimens during the baby’s time in the NICU.
Why do babies need to have a newborn screening?
Newborn screening is the process by which a baby is screened for certain genetic conditions which are not detectable. Most babies appear healthy at birth, and do not have visible symptoms of illness. However, if undetected, the conditions screened in Kansas may cause permanent neurological or physical disability, or possibly even death. Some conditions screened are considered critical conditions and may be determined a medical emergency.