The patient should be between 24 and 48 hours of age at the time of sample collection.

Newborn screening card

1. To prevent specimen contamination, do not touch any of the filter paper circles before or after collection.
2. Keep heel in horizontal position (heel down) at or below heart level and warm the heel to stimulate blood flow.
3. Select puncture site and cleanse with 70% isopropanol.
4. Use a sterile, disposable lancet (1.0 mm incision depth and 2.5 mm incision length) to puncture the medial or lateral plantar surface of the foot.
5. Wipe away first blood drop.
6. Allow a second LARGE blood drop to form and apply to surface of filter paper circle.
7. Fill all five required circles from only one side of the filter paper.
8. Once completed, observe both sides of the filter paper to ensure complete saturation.

1. Once dry, inspect the card for any evidence of poor or unsatisfactory specimen collection such as:
   - blood clots
   - incomplete saturation
   - layering of the blood
   - plasma separation from the red blood cells
   - contamination of card
   - damage to filter paper
   - blood on the tan cover
2. Forward all specimens to the WSLH within 24 hours after collection.
   - Never batch samples
   - Never hold completed blood card for hearing or heart screening results.

Newborn Screening Card

Ambient - 24 hours

• Specimens older than seven (7) days from collection date are unsatisfactory for testing, and a repeat collection will be required.
• Upon receipt, the WSLH will review specimen quality. Any specimen deemed unsatisfactory for testing will be rejected, and a repeat collection will be required.

Varies

See report