Colorado Laboratory Services Division Newborn Screening Laboratory

Laboratory Services Division

Newborn Screening Laboratory

Mission: "The timely and accurate testing of newborn screening specimens, and subsequent reporting of results, to initiate any necessary follow-up testing and treatment to ensure the best possible medical outcomes for both the infant and its family."

The Newborn Screening Laboratory is the only laboratory in the state that conducts tests for thirty conditions in newborns. Until July 1, 2006, the Newborn Screening Laboratory tested for these conditions: phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenohyperplasia, galactosemia, cystic fibrosis, hemoglobin disease, and biotinidase deficiency. On July 1, 2006, the Newborn Screening Laboratory began testing for 23 more conditions. The addition of Tandem Mass Spectrometry to the laboratory's tools allows testing for 23 additional metabolic disorders including amino acidemias, organic acidemias, and disorders of fatty acid oxidation in newborn babies. The March of Dimes and the American College of Medical Genetics recommend testing for these 30 conditions.

Newborn Screening testing

The laboratory tests all of the approximately 75,000 Colorado and Wyoming newborns each year. Of all newborns, an average of 90 each year will be identified with one of these conditions.
Screening allows for early diagnosis and treatment that prevent mental retardation, developmental delays, organ damage and, in some cases, death.
The second screening was instituted in July 1996.

Rules and Regulations for Newborn Screening

Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Testing

State Genetics Program

Newborn Screening Follow-up Program

Newborn Screening Lab Manager

Newborn Screening Resources -- links for parents and practitioners.

Contact the Newborn Screening Laboratory

Email questions, comments, suggestions

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