In California, a newborn screening specimen must be collected within 12 to 48 hours of birth, with 24 hours of life being the optimal time for collection. A general overview video (not California-specific) on newborn screening blood spot collection:
Test Request Form (TRF)
A complete Test Request Form (TRF) is needed for every California birth, whether performed at home or at a freestanding birth center. Newborn screening documentation using the TRF must be completed within 12 to 48 hours of birth. All birth attendants should keep the TRF’s yellow copy and provide the TRF’s pink/blue copy to the family. The family will use the pink/blue copy to help the pediatrician get the results and use the copy for registering the birth.
Please make sure to follow the instructions outlined in the
Newborn Screening Program Collection Poster (PDF) and communicate the importance of this form with the child’s parents. Please note that a completed TRF must be sent to the processing laboratory regardless of whether a newborn screening specimen was collected or not.
Shipping your newborn screening specimens to the processing laboratory
- Newborn screening blood specimens and the TRF must be sent to processing laboratory no later than the next business day after collection and filling out TRF using contracted shipping vendor(s), such as GLS
- A log sheet must be filled out and placed in the shipping envelope, even if only one specimen and TRF is placed in the envelope
Online specimen tracking
Online Specimen Tracking (OST) is a regulatory requirement (17 CCR § 6506) that helps ensure all babies born in California have the best possible start in life. OST is accessed via the California Department of Public Health
Screening Information System (SIS).
Hospitals, midwives, and those working in community birth settings are required to access SIS within 7 days of a birth to verify that newborn screening specimens are received by an NBS Program laboratory. If a specimen has not been received, it is reported as a missing specimen and an investigation is conducted to locate the specimen. This is an important measure to make sure the specimen(s) are not lost and thus prevent any delays in getting results.
Request OST training for yourself or any a new provider by emailing this address:
NBSOST@cdph.ca.gov
Please visit the NBS Program Online Specimen Tracking web page to find out more about OST.
Billing and payment for newborn screening
After the newborn screening specimen has been processed, the parents will be sent an invoice for the test along with a form for their insurance information. By filling out and sending back the insurance form, the California Newborn Screening Program will bill the parents’ insurance directly for the screening.
The parents will always have the choice of paying the invoice themselves as well if they do not wish to use their insurance as a payor for the screening. To pay for your child’s newborn screening test directly, please
visit the NBS Program Payment Portal or call 1-800-597-0832 for assistance.
For invoice payment and billing Information and the current Newborn Screening Program fee, please see the
NBS Program Billing and Payment FAQ web page.
Newborn Screening Supplies
- To order Newborn Screening Forms (TRF's, Transport Logs, IIP's):
- For inquiries/status of Newborn Screening supplies, please e-mail nbsorders@cdph.ca.gov
Shipping Supplies
- To order GLS (formerly GSO) supplies:
- When contacting GLS, you will need to provide:
- Facility name
- Facility code
- GLS account #50481
- Designated NAPS laboratory
- Please note the following:
- Scheduled pick up requests can only be made from your listed address on file. Pick up locations other than your listed address will not be serviced.
- You may drop off your envelopes at a GLS drop box or office location but notify GLS beforehand.
- GLS shipping labels expire every six months. Ensure your shipping labels are current to avoid shipping delays.