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Welcome! Newborn Screening is a simple blood test. It can identify babies who may have one of a number of treatable disorders. Early detection allows treatment that may prevent or greatly reduce these problems.
About 40,000 babies are screened each year. In British Columbia there are about 40 babies born each year (1 out of every 1,000) who are found to have one of these rare disorders.
This website provides information for families and health care professionals about newborn screening in British Columbia. See below for the Who, What, When, Where and How of newborn screening.
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Every newborn baby born in BC and Yukon qualifies for screening.
What disorders are screened?
The program currently screens for 18 disorders. In October 2010, a 19th disorder will be added.
When does my baby have the test?
The screening happens when your baby is between 24 - 48 hours old.
Where and how does the screening happen?
Blood is collected at all BC and Yukon hospitals where babies are delivered, and at a baby’s home if a home birth. Blood samples are sent to the Newborn Screening Lab at BC Children's Hospital for testing.
What happens to my baby’s blood spot card when the testing is complete?
When testing of the blood sample is completed, the card with the leftover blood is kept in secure storage by the BC Newborn Screening Program. Please see our Blood Spot Card Storage & Use FAQs page for more information.
Thank you
The BC Newborn Screening Program is grateful for the generous gifts made to the program by Vic W. Griffin and the late Phyllis Olive Alberta Griffin.
The BC Newborn Screening Program is a service of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
Updated: June 8, 2010