Specimen Collection
The optimal time for sample collection is as soon as possible after 24 hours.
Babies <1500g and/or <32/40 gestational age have futher samples at 2 weeks of age, 4 weeks of age and pre- discharge.
Neonatal unit babies should have samples on the blue cards.
Samples must be dry before being placed into plastic specimen bags.
Venous samples can be used by dripping onto the card from the syringe or a dropper.
Capillary tubes with anticoagulant must not be used.
4 Spot Paediatric Guthrie Card Blood
Reference Intervals
Interpretative comments will be provided with the result.
Abnormal results will be telephoned.
It is important to note that normal screening tests do not completely exclude the screened disorders. Please contact duty scientist on 021 745 847 for consultation if you have clinical suspicion of these conditions.
Turnaround Time: Between 2 days and 1 week, 3 days
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Newborn babies are tested for the following conditions - PKU, MSUD, galactosemia, cystic fibrosis, biotinidase deficiency, congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, fatty acid oxidation disorders, aminoacid breakdown disorders, vere combine immunodeficiency disorder (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
A full list of conditions is available from the
Health NZ website.
Families may have the card returned if they wish.
Click on the
link below for more information.
Other information about the programme is at
link below.
card return form
list of conditions
newborn screening programme information
Contact Information
General information from
Health NZ website.
For specific information, contact Duty Scientist 021 745 847.
Information sheets, test cards etc email
newbornscreeningresources@adhb.govt.nz
NSU website