Newborn Screening (NBS)

Newborn screening (NBS) identifies potentially serious and life-threatening conditions within the first days of a newborn’s life.  Most babies appear healthy and show no signs of illness right after birth. However, some infants may be born with certain disorders or inherited genetic conditions that can lead to disability or death. When detected early, many of these disorders can be managed and can prevent the occurrence of adverse health outcomes. 

The Georgia Newborn Screening Program ensures that every newborn in Georgia has a blood screening, hearing screening, and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening at birth to identify certain conditions which pose a threat of severe illness, physical or developmental disability, or death.

The Georgia Newborn Screening Program contracts with a network of medical systems and organizations to follow up with abnormal screening results.

• Emory University Newborn Screening Program
  (Organic Acid Disorders, Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders, Amino Acid Disorders, Lysosomal Storage Disorders, Endocrine Disorders, and Other Disorders)
• Augusta University Sickle Cell Program
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sickle Cell Program
• Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia

Newborn Screening Resources for Specific Audiences:

Hospitals and Providers

The NBS Provider page includes links to the Georgia Policy and Procedure Manual, reporting forms, and provides answers to FAQs.

NBS Providers

Parents and Caregivers

The Parents and Caregivers page includes newborn screening information, answers to FAQs, resources, and the  brochure, What Every Parent Should Know.

Parents and Caregivers

How to Request Newborn Screening Records:

Request Newborn Screening Results

Individuals seeking NBS results for themselves or their children, please email a completed Authorization for Release of Newborn Screening Report form along with proof of identity to [email protected]. 

Click on NBS Resources for Parents or Hospitals & Medical Providers (above) to review the required documentation for release of NBS records

Download Form

Page last updated 6/10/2025