Newborn Screening Services The Connecticut Department of Public Health screens newborns soon after birth to see if they are at risk for more than 60 rare, hidden disorders. If left untreated, these disorders can lead to illness, physical disability, developmental delay, or even death. The Connecticut Newborn Screening Network will respond to all reports of infants who have a newborn screen that flagged out of range. Identifying and Treating Conditions Early By identifying these disorders early, interventions such as medications, or changes in diet can help prevent most health problems caused by the disorders identified on the newborn screening panel. In coordination with the infant’s primary care provider or hospital-based medical provider, the Network will begin the diagnostic work-up, and provide support to both the family and health care team. If an infant confirms positive for a disorder, the Network will coordinate treatment and long-term follow-up care for the condition identified, working with PCPs, hospitals and specialists statewide. The Network has established a registry for measuring, tracking, and reporting of disorder specific outcomes from birth to age 21. Coordinated, Multi-Disciplinary Care Upon receipt of an out of range result, a Network Coordinator will: Contact the infant’s PCP or HBMP to obtain some brief information about the baby and to discuss next steps. Consult with the appropriate specialist, place follow up lab orders or make recommendations for lab orders (when appropriate) and/or schedule an appointment if necessary. Notify pediatric practices of recommended follow-up. If treatment is needed, the family will be referred to a specialist in genetics, endocrinology, hematology or immunology. For those children who are diagnosed, the Network will continue to be a part of the child’s health care team and will track long-term health and developmental outcomes.
