Newborn Screening
Newborn screening tests take place before your newborn leaves the hospital. Babies are tested to identify serious or life-threatening 
conditions before symptoms begin. Such diseases are usually rare. However, they can affect a baby's normal physical and mental development.
Most tests use a few drops of blood from pricking the baby's heel.
If a screening test suggests a problem, your baby's doctor will follow up with further testing. If those tests confirm a problem, the doctor may refer you to a specialist for treatment. Following your doctor's treatment plan can save your baby from lifelong health and developmental problems.
Newborn Screening is a public health service provided by all states to identify conditions that are not noticeable at the time of birth but may cause a serious disability or even death if not treated immediately.
- 4 million babies are born in the United States a year!
- 1 out of 12,500 newborns born each year are given a second chance because of newborn screening!
In 2019, 99% of babies born in Arkansas received a newborn screen; 104 confirmed cases were identified and referred for treatment
- Heartland Genetic Collaborative’s Spanish Newborn Screening Video
- PerkinElmer’s English Newborn Screening Video
- PerkinElmer’s Spanish Newborn Screening Video
Downloads
- Newborn Screening Parent Brochure : English | Spanish | Marshallese
- Newborn Screening 2017 Annual Report
| Office | Address | Phone | Fax |
| Newborn Screening | 5800 W 10th Street, Suite 808 Little Rock, AR 72204 | 866-769-9043 | 501-280-4769 |
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