Information for Hospitals
Over 99% of the babies born in California receive newborn screening. Newborn screening is provided for all newborns except those whose parents have declined for religious reasons.
To complete the newborn screening, providers take a sample of newborn blood by the second day of the newborn's life using a heel-stick procedure.
State regulations require providers to collect a blood sample between 12 and 48 hours of life. If for any reason the newborn screen is collected prior to 12 hours (e.g., red blood cell transfusion, discharge earlier than 12 hours), a second blood sample collection will be required.
Please see the video below on California Newborn Screening (NBS) Program timeliness goals.
Timeliness Goals, NBS Program, 2:42 minutes, English
Instructions
Newborn Screening Suppliesā
- To order Newborn Screening Forms (TRF's, Transport Logs, IIP's):
- For inquiries/status of Newborn Screening supplies, please e-mail nbsorders@cdph.ca.gov
Shipping Supplies
- To order GLS (formerly GSO) supplies:
- When contacting GLS, you will need to provide:
- Facility name
- Facility code
- GLS account #50481
- Designated NAPS laboratory
- Please note the following:
- Scheduled pick up requests can only be made from your listed address on file. Pick up locations other than your listed address will not be serviced.
- You may drop off your envelopes at a GLS drop box or office location but notify GLS beforehand.
- GLS shipping labels expire every six months. Ensure your shipping labels are current to avoid shipping delays.
Program Resources