TMPPM 2008 > Appendices > Texas Health Steps Statutory State Requirements > Newborn Blood Screening

K.6 Newborn Blood Screening

The Health and Safety Code (HSC), Chapter 33, Subchapter B, implemented by the rules found at 25 TAC, Chapter 37, Subchapter D, requires testing of all newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU), other heritable diseases, or hypothyroidism. A current list of 27 disorders is 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 the age of 30 days by rule in 25 TAC §37.52) or the person who is attending the delivery of a newborn child 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 one to two weeks of age. If there is any doubt that a client younger than 12 months of age was properly tested, the provider should submit the blood sample on the appropriate DSHS Form NBS-3 to the DSHS Newborn Screening Laboratory.