Maine's Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program helps parent's find out if a baby has certain health conditions. Babies with these conditions may look healthy at birth. If not treated, these conditions can cause significant health problems. With treatment, these problems may be prevented. This blood test is a screen and t is important for your baby to have regular check-ups and medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my baby need newborn screening tests?
By law, all newborns are tested for several rare but serious medical conditions. Babies with these conditions may look healthy at birth. If not treated, these conditions can cause health problems such as mental retardation, slow growth, and even death. With treatment, these problems may be prevented.
- How will my baby be tested?
A nurse or other medical professional takes a few drops of blood from your baby's heel. This blood sample is sent to a newborn screening laboratory.
- When should the blood sample be taken?
After your baby is 24 hours old, but before your baby leaves the hospital.
- How will I get the test results?
Your baby's doctor will contact you if the results suggest your baby may have one of these conditions. The doctor will talk with you about the results and what needs to be done next.
- What conditions are tested for?
- How are these conditions treated?
The treatment for each condition is different. If your baby has one of these conditions, it is very important to start the treatment as soon as possible.
- Can I refuse the newborn bloodspot screen?
Yes. After discussion with your healthcare provider about the benefits of the newborn bloodspot screen.
- Can I request destruction of the newborn bloodspot specimen after analyses are completed?
Yes. After discussion with your healthcare provider about the benefits of the retaining newborn bloodspot specimen.
Newborn Bloodspot Data Brief 2022 (PDF)
Resources
- New England Regional Genetics Group (NERGG, Inc.)
- New England Consortium of Metabolic Programs
- The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- About Newborn Screening (CDC)
Condition Specific Resources
- Baby's First Test
- New England Newborn Screening Program
- Metabolic Disorders
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Congenital Hypothyroidism
- Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Contact
Newborn Screening Bloodspot Program
- Tel: (207) 287-5357
- TTY: Maine Relay 711
- Fax: (207) 287-4743
Maine Law - Relating to Newborn Bloodspot Screening
Preventing Handicapping Conditions; Detection of serious conditions
This law requires all newborns to be tested for several rare but serious medical conditions.
Newborn Bloodspot Screening Rule (PDF) - (Adopted Chapter 283).
State of Maine process to Add Conditions to the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Panel (PDF)
For Providers
Contact Information- If there is urgent need for a newborn screening test result, and the Maine Newborn Bloodspot Screening office is closed, contact the New England Newborn Screening Laboratory online or by phone 774-455-4600.
Supplies and Materials
Midwives
To order filter papers:
- Order online and pay with credit or debit card only.
- Fill out the Midwife Order Form (PDF) with a check or money order
Hospitals
To order NBS filter papers:
- Use our online ordering service and pay with credit or debit card payment
- Fax a purchase order (PO) to (207) 287-4743
Order the labels and envelopes to send in your NBS filter papers (PDF).
Brochures
Forms
- Examples of Unsatisfactory Specimens (PDF)
- Instructions for How to Obtain a Specimen (PDF)
- Hospital Transfer Form (PDF)
- Religious Refusal Form (PDF)
- Repeat Specimen Form (PDF)
- Request for Retrieval of Specimen for Additional Testing (PDF)
- Request for NBS Destruction (PDF)
- Request for Release of Bloodspot Report for Sickle Cell Screening Results (PDF)