Newborn Screening

Newborn Screening

Newborn screening (NBS) identifies potentially serious and life-threatening conditions within the first days of a newborn’s life.  Most babies appear healthy and show no signs of illness right after birth. However, some infants may be born with certain disorders or inherited genetic conditions that can lead to disability or death. When detected early, many of these disorders can be managed and can prevent the occurrence of adverse health outcomes. 

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) NBS Program is legislatively mandated to ensure that every baby born in Georgia has a blood screening, hearing screening, and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening at birth to identify conditions which pose a threat of severe illness, physical or developmental disability, or death. Georgia’s Newborn Screening Program screens for over 35 conditions.

Contact the Georgia NBS Program by email at DPH-NBS@dph.ga.gov or visit www.dph.ga.gov/NBS-Providers for additional resources.

Blue polka dot pattern on white background
A doctor examining a baby on a scale with a stethoscope, while a woman looks on smiling.

Obtaining Newborn Screening Results

Authorized providers can access newborn screening results through eReports, SendSS, or through an NBS authorization request form completed by the individual or individual's parent or guardian.

  • eReports Web Portal

    Licensed physicians, physician assistants, and registered professional nurses can request access to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory's web portal to access newborn screening results 24/7.

    • DPH Newborn Screening eReports Web Portal Access Request Form

      Licensed physicians, physician assistants, and registered professional nurses can request access to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory's web portal to access newborn screening results 24/7.  The completed access request form can be emailed to DPH-NBS@dph.ga.gov. Licenses will be verified before access is approved.

    • The portal contains results for specimens received on or after July 11, 2011.​​​


  • SendSS Newborn Screening Results

    Authorized providers can access unofficial copies of archived reports in SendSS for birth dates from the year 2000 through 2007. These archived reports may be needed for student athletes attending college and in need of documentation of their sickle cell status.


    ▸ To register, visit SendSS and fill out the online registration form. 

  • Patient Authorization Release Form
    
Providers seeking NBS results, including sickle cell results, can email a completed Authorization for Release of Newborn Screening Report form to DPH-NBS@dph.ga.gov or fax a request to (404) 657-2773.

NBS Resources

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) developed ACT Sheets and Algorithms for each NBS condition that describe actions to be taken by the healthcare provider in the event of an abnormal screen. View Newborn Screening ACT Sheets and Algorithms.

The Georgia Newborn Screening Policy and Procedure Manual provides information about the NBS program, screening procedures, and provider responsibilities. Visit www.dph.ga.gov/NBS-Providers for additional resources and training materials.

 

Contact Information

Georgia Public Health Laboratory


Webpage: https://dph.georgia.gov/about-dph/ga-public-health-laboratory
Phone: (404) 327-7900

Georgia Newborn Screening Program


Email: DPH-NBS@dph.ga.gov

Fax: (404) 657-2773