The disorders included in newborn screening vary from state to state. Most states test for all of the conditions specified by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in their Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. These conditions include phenylketonuria (PKU), cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, critical congenital heart disease, hearing loss, and others.
Preventive service at no cost
Oklahoma newborns are routinely tested for several disorders. GlobalHealth covers all requirements at no cost to the member.
Most of the conditions included in newborn screening can cause serious health problems if treatment is not started shortly after birth. Prompt identification and management of these conditions may be able to prevent life-threatening complications.
What the screening is
Newborn screening begins with a heel stick that is done within 24-48 hours of a baby's birth. A health-care professional collects blood from the baby's heel onto a filter-paper card, which is the blood-collection device. This card is sent to a newborn screening laboratory for testing.
