• Newborn screenings are screening tests that look for uncommon health disorders in newborn babies.
• Newborn screenings are important because they can help doctors treat conditions that, if not treated early, could result in life-long health problems, mental retardation, or even death.
• Newborn screening testing is simple.  Health care providers collect a few drops of blood from a small heel-prick from babies and send the blood “spots” to a lab for testing. 
• All newborn babies in Arkansas are screened to protect their health.  Starting in July, 2008, Arkansas will be a leader in the country by expanding testing to 29 treatable conditions through newborn screenings.

Newborn Screenings- Expectant Families/Families of Newborns Key Messages:

• All of the above PLUS:
• There is no risk to babies except maybe some bruising or soreness on the skin from the heel-prick.
• Tell your health care providers if you have a family history of genetic or other disorders before and after your baby is born. 
• Most likely, the test results will be normal.  If the result is not normal, your baby will need more tests right away to make sure he’s okay.
• A single positive result does not necessarily mean that a baby has a condition.
• Make sure that your health care providers have contact information to reach you in case further testing needs to be arranged for your baby.
• If your baby does have one of the disorders, early treatment is necessary to ensure the best health of your baby.
• For more information about newborn screenings for parents and professionals, visit www.marchofdimes.com/nbs .