March of Dimes
Collection of Screening Specimens
  Specimen Handling

Do not touch the areas within the circles on the filter paper with gloved or ungloved hands, before or after specimen collection since skin oils, latex and powder may affect test results. Avoid contamination of the filter paper with feeding formulas, antiseptic solutions, water, lotions, powder, etc. These may invalidate the blood specimen.

Allow blood spots to air-dry thoroughly for at least four hours in a horizontal position on a flat, non-absorbent surface away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not refrigerate specimens after collection. Mail thoroughly dried blood collection forms to the location specified by your state within 24 hours of collection. Do not retain specimens longer than 24 hours in order to accumulate a “batch,” since this may result in specimens too old to test. When placing more than one specimen in an envelope, alternate collection forms so that blood spots on adjacent forms are not in contact.

The Perfect Specimen
  • Has all information legibly recorded on the blood collection form required by your state.
  • Is collected from an infant between 48 and 120 hours of age (third to fifth day of life).
  • No foreign substances contaminate the filter paper.
  • The blood completely fills all printed circles and is applied evenly on one side of the filter paper, free of layering and clots.
  • Is dried for at least four hours on a flat, non-absorbent surface, away from direct heat and sunlight.
  • Within 24 hours of collection, is sent to your state’s Newborn Screening Program as specified.


The information contained in this section does not constitute the endorsement of any specific state policy or procedure by the March of Dimes. Content is based on the New York State Department of Health manual “Newborn Screening in New York State: A Guide for Health Professionals,” provided by the Newborn Screening Program, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health. The material has been modified for a national audience, and additional information has been added by the March of Dimes.

 		 
  © 2008 March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. All rights reserved. The March of Dimes is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.