TMPPM 2010 > Children's Services Handbook > Appendix D: Texas Health Steps Statutory State Requirements > Newborn Blood Screening

D.6 Newborn Blood Screening

The Health and Safety Code (HSC), Chapter 33, Section §33.011, implemented by the rules found at 25 TAC, Part 1, Chapter 37, Subchapter D, requires testing of all newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU), other heritable diseases, or congenital hypothyroidism. A current list of 27 disorders can be found at www.dshs.state.tx.us/newborn/quickreference.shtm.

This testing is the responsibility of the physician who is attending a newborn client (defined as up to 30 days of age by rule in 25 TAC, Chapter 37, Subchapter D, §37.52) or the person who is attending the delivery of a newborn client who is not attended by a physician to screen for the disorders within 24 to 48 hours of birth.

All infants must be tested a second time at 1 to 2 weeks of age. If there is any doubt that a client 12 months of age or younger was properly tested, the provider should submit the blood sample on the appropriate DSHS Form NBS3 to the DSHS Newborn Screening Laboratory.