Storage and Use of Bloodspots After Newborn Screening

What happens to a baby's bloodspots after newborn screening is completed?

Dried newborn screening test cards are stored at the lab for 6 months for the purpose of retesting the infant.

Following the 6 month storage time frame, the blood spots are separated from the infant's identifying information and the spots are autoclaved, while the information section is shredded.

Parents, as custodians of their infant's bloodspot card, may request their infant's newborn screening card by submitting a letter to the laboratory requesting the release. Parents may then pick up their infant's newborn screening card from the lab by showing valid identification at the time of the release.

Additional Resources

Laboratory Fees