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Health Professionals Guide to Newborn Screening: Specimen Handling and Mailing

Health Professionals Guide to Newborn Screening

Specimen Handling and Mailing

Specimen Handling
After blood has been applied to the filter paper, proceed as follows:

  • Allow blood-soaked collection card to dry in a horizontal (flat) position.


  • Suspend blood-soaked area of collection card such that air can dry both sides of the card equally.


    • NOTE: Be sure the attached coverslip doesn't come into contact with the blood until completely dry. Do not allow the blood-soaked portion of the collection card to come into contact with another surface (desktop, absorbent paper, etc.)

  • Allow blood to air dry at room temperature for a minimum of three (3) hours. NOTE: Do not use artificial heat (lamps, incubators, etc.) to dry the specimens.


  • Evaluate specimen for acceptability.


  • Replace the coverslip over the blood when completely dry.

Mailing of Specimens

  • Mail specimens as soon after drying as possible.


    • DO NOT BATCH SPECIMENS from multiple days except on Sunday and holidays.


    • NOTE: Specimens older than seven (7) days from collection date are unsatisfactory for testing and a repeat collection will be requested.

  • Place specimen(s) to be mailed in the United Parcel Service (UPS) mailer. 


  • For those hospitals using internet shipping, print and enclose (in the outside pocket) the shipping document (i.e shipping label).  


  • UPS shipping costs will be paid by the WSLH.


  • Most institutions have a daily UPS pick-up. Make sure the UPS mailer gets to the appropriate department in time for the pick-up. If your institution does not have a daily pick-up, call (800) 742-5877 and ask for an "on demand" pick-up.

 

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