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Health Professionals

Overview

Newborn screening for inborn conditions has been mandatory in Arkansas since Act 192 of 1967 stipulated the screening of all newborns for phenylketonuria. Since that time, the number of conditions screened for has grown substantially. The program oversees follow-up on 30+ genetic disorders screened using the blood spot card in addition to two points of care tests, hearing screen, and critical congenital heart disease, for a total of 34 core disorders. The conditions now screened for are recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 The revisions to the Rules Pertaining to Testing of Newborn Infants was adopted on July 25, 2023, with an effective date of February 1, 2024.

Downloads and Information

Newborn Screening Sampling:

Blood specimens should be collected before newborns go home from the hospital. If the baby is not born in the hospital, a blood sample should be obtained by the baby’s doctor or the local health unit by the third day of life.

Downloads

Newborn Screening Recommended Follow Up:

If an abnormal result is obtained, the Newborn Screening Nurses (NBSN) will contact the baby’s doctor. The lab results will be faxed to the office of the doctor of record by the NBSN.  Information on needed follow-up testing will also be provided in that fax by the Newborn Screening Medical Director in consultation with UAMS specialists.

Genetic Health

If you are interested having a speaker come to talk with your agency about inherited conditions of babies, children, and adults, please contact us at 1-866-769-9043.

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