Newborn Metabolic Screen

Newborn Metabolic Screen sampling card.

Test usually performed on newborns between 24 hours and 1 week of age, although there is no age limit. Complete required information on University of Alberta Hospital Newborn Metabolic Screen sampling card. Fill 4 circles on card with whole blood (blood MUST soak through to back of card). Capillary blood is preferred, but venous blood is acceptable. Innoculate card directly whenever possible – do not use capillary tube to transfer blood to the card.

This is a panel of 17 tests. Results are returned directly to physician.

Inquiries to Hereditary Disease Program (780-407-8820).

For follow-up testing such as plasma phenylalanine, see Amino Acids. Call ACH Biochemical Genetics 403-955-7379 from 08:00-16:15.

Ensure the following information is completed on the card:
- infant's ULI/PHN number
- province of PHN number (e.g. Alberta)
- gender
- infant's last name
- infant's hospital number
- date and time of birth
- gestational age, if premature
- collection date and time
- mother's last name, first name and postal code
- ordering physician with first name and/or initials
- family physician with first name and/or initials (if different from ordering physician)
- birth location
- collection location and collector code or initials