Newborn Screening Parent Resources

Every baby born in Texas gets two newborn screening blood tests that check for several rare disorders.  

More Than Drops on a Card – Watch a five-minute video featuring two Texas families sharing the importance of newborn screening tests and timely follow-up care. 

10 Things Parents Want to Know About Newborn Screening 

Newborn Screening Test Results

Parents can get all the newborn screening test results from the baby’s doctor. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will send the results to the doctor in seven to 14 days.

If one or more test results is out of the expected range, newborn screening clinical care coordination staff will follow up with the baby’s doctor to make sure that the appropriate next steps are taken. The doctor or a staff member will contact parents.

Abnormal test results from the laboratory may need additional tests to either clear or diagnose the baby. Staff from DSHS will follow up to make sure that the baby receives confirmatory testing and treatment if needed. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications such as growth problems, developmental delays, deafness or blindness, intellectual disability, seizures or even early death. Learn more about the program and view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at Texas Newborn Screening FAQs. 

Financial Help for Newborn Screening Conditions 

The Newborn Screening (NBS) Benefits Program has limited financial help available for infants, children, and adults who have an abnormal newborn screen or are diagnosed with a NBS disorder. People with the highest need will receive priority. NBS Benefits is a payer of last resort. This means that all applicants first must apply for Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) before applying for NBS Benefits.

If eligible, limited help will provide: 

• Dietary Supplements (metabolic or low-protein foods)   
• Medications   
• Vitamins   
• Confirmatory testing, evaluation, and follow-up care   
• Reimbursement to specialists for telephone consultations 

Email NBS Benefits or call 1-800-252-8023 ext. 2983 for more information.

Additional Newborn Screening Resources for Families

TEXAS 

• Newborn Screening Testing: For Your Baby's Health – Why newborn screening is important
• Screened Disorders – Fact sheets on newborn screening conditions
• Clinical Care Coordination Consultants – Lists of medical specialists for newborn screening conditions
•  Newborn Screening Program Benefits Forms – Link to download Applicant Packet under headings, “Newborn Screening Program Benefits Forms” and “Eligibility Forms”
• Navigate Life Texas – Resources and support for families raising children with disabilities

NATIONAL 

• A Parent's Guide to Newborn Screening – Five-minute video on Newborn Screening 
• Baby’s First Test – Facts, advice, and support for parents and professionals
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Newborn Screening Can Help Prevent Problems
• Save Babies Through Screening Foundation – A non-profit organization that advocates for comprehensive newborn screening
• Walking with Warriors – Information and resources for caregivers of people with sickle cell disease
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
• The Rare Sibling Experience – NORD video on the rare disease impact on families