NBS Parents / Caregivers

ThinkstockPhotos-179776190_cropped.jpg

As a parent, you want to do all you can to make sure your child is healthy!

Before leaving the hospital or delivery facility, your baby will receive important tests called newborn screening. These tests help find serious health issues early, so healthcare providers can help right away. Most babies are born healthy; however, some babies can have a serious medical condition even though they look and act like other babies.

These screenings will be completed soon after your baby is born to check your baby's blood, heart, and hearing.

What Every Parent Should Know Brochure

Download this pdf file. Click to View

Talk to your healthcare provider about your baby's newborn screening results at your baby’s first visit, which is usually scheduled a week after your baby goes home.

Important Reminders:

  • Make sure your correct contact information is given to the hospital or delivery facility where your baby is born.  It's important to provide accurate information so the hospital or delivery facility can reach you in case your baby needs additional testing or care.
     
  • Provide the name and phone number of the healthcare provider who will care for your baby after leaving the hospital or delivery facility so that  a copy of your baby's newborn screening report can be sent to the provider.
     
  • At your baby’s first visit, give your healthcare the colored newborn screening card parent slip you received after your baby’s test was done as a reminder to check your baby’s results.
     
  • If you are asked to bring your baby in for retesting, do it as soon as you can. If a problem exists, quick action is very important.
  • What conditions will my baby be screened for?

    These screenings will be completed soon after your baby is born to check your baby's blood, heart, and hearing.

    Blood Screening (Dried Blood Spot):

    • Within 1-2 days of birth, a few drops of blood are taken from your baby's heel and tested for over 35 serious disorders that can lead to disability or even death if not identified early in a baby’s life.
    • Results are typically available within 7-10 days after testing was completed.
    • If your baby needs a second test, bring them into their doctor’s office as soon as you can. Quick action is very important to help protect your baby.

    Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screening (Pulse Oximetry):

    • A small sensor is placed on your baby's hand and foot to check the oxygen levels in their blood and look for heart issues.
    • This test is quick and doesn’t cause any discomfort.
    • Results are available immediately after completion of the test.
    • If any heart issues are suspected, your baby will be referred or transferred to a specialist for more tests and treatment.

    Hearing Screening:

    • Majority of babies with hearing loss are born to hearing parents.
    • Soft sounds are played in your baby's ears and responses are measured.
    • It is safe and painless and is the most efficient way to know if your baby can hear.
    • Results are available immediately after completion of the test.
    • If your baby fails the initial hearing screening at birth, it may be repeated once more. If failed again, schedule an outpatient hearing screening as soon as possible (ideally before 1 month of age).
  • What is my baby’s blood being screened for?

    Amino Acid Disorders: These affect how the body breaks down proteins, which are important for growth and development. Treatment might involve a special diet and medication.

    Endocrine Disorders: These affect hormones that control body functions. Medication helps prevent complications.

    Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders: These impact energy production and can harm organs. Treatment includes diet changes and supplements.

    Hemoglobin Disorders: They affect how blood cells carry oxygen. Early detection helps manage care.

    Lysosomal Storage Disorders: These prevent the breakdown of sugars and fats, harming cells and organs. Treatments include therapy and medication.

    Organic Acid Disorders: They cause harmful acid buildup. Treatment involves diet changes and use of specific vitamins.

    Other Disorders: Various conditions that have different treatments and interventions.  Some of the conditions include Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Krabbe disease (KD), and Severe Combined Immunodeficiencies (SCID).

    A list of the current conditions included in Georgia’s newborn screening panel can be found at www.dph.ga.gov/NBS.

  • What do the newborn screening results mean for my baby?

    If the result is positive, abnormal, or inconclusive, your baby might have one of the conditions or needs additional testing to confirm. While newborn screening is usually accurate, it's not always perfect. If you're worried about your baby's health or have questions about the results, talk to your doctor.

  • How do I find out my baby’s newborn screening results?

    Critical Congenital Heart Disease and Hearing Screening results should be shared with you immediately after the test. Blood screening results should be available a week after collection and are provided to the birthing facility and the primary care doctor on record at the time of collection.  Ask your baby’s primary care doctor for a copy of the results.  Georgia’s Newborn Screening Program will contact your baby’s doctor sooner if there are any concerns.

    A copy of your baby’s newborn screening report can be requested through the Georgia Newborn Screening Program.  Visit www.dph.ga.gov/NBS to learn more about requesting a report.

  • I received a letter about my baby's newborn screening results. Who do I contact?

    The Georgia Newborn Screening Program contracts with Augusta University, Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia to provide follow-up services to newborns with a positive newborn screening result for specific genetic conditions, sickle cell disease, or sickle cell trait. You may receive a phone call or letter from these organizations if you do not have a medical home or have been unable to contact by phone.  It's important to follow-up as soon as possible to make sure your child receives needed care.

    Contact Information:

    • Emory Newborn Screening Follow-up Program
      Contact Number: (404) 778-8560
      Fax Number: (404) 778-8564
      www.med.emory.edu/departments/human-genetics/patient-care/newborn-screening.html
       
    • Augusta University - Newborn Screening Sickle Cell Follow-Up Program
      Contact Number: (706) 721-6251
      Fax Number: (706) 721-5769
      www.augustahealth.org
       
    • Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Newborn Screening Sickle Cell Follow-Up Program
      Contact Number: (404) 785-1087
      Fax Number: (404) 553-9813
      www.choa.org
       
    • Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia - Sickle Cell Trait Follow-up Program and Sickle Cell Assistance Services
      Contact Number: (404) 755-1641
      Parent Education: (404) 755-1641 extension 203 or extension 235
      Family Services and Support: (404) 755-1642 extension 234
      Fax Number: (404) 755-7955
      www.sicklecellga.org 
  • Where can I find additional newborn screening information?

    If you have additional questions or need more information regarding newborn screening, visit the resources below:

  • Can I decline newborn screening for my baby?

    The Georgia Department of Public Health Code Rule 511-5-5 mandates that all newborn babies in Georgia are promptly tested for certain conditions which pose a threat of severe illness, physical or developmental disability, or death. Newborn screening testing includes blood screening, hearing screening, and screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). Babies born outside of a hospital, birthing center, or other healthcare facility are also required to be screened. 

    Parents or legal guardians can decline newborn screening on the ground that such tests and treatment conflict with their religious beliefs as outlined in Rule 511-5-5-.03.

    Download this pdf file. A Declaration of Religious Objection to Newborn Screening form must be completed to indicate refusal of newborn screening due to religious reasons. The signed form shall be retained in the child’s medical record for the period of time defined by the hospital or provider policy.


Newborn Screening Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Page last updated 6/10/2025