15+Universal+Newborn+screening

=Universal Newborn screening=
 * takes place after the baby is a newborn before they leave the hospital
 * this test can save a baby from a serious problem
 * newborn screening tests for 55 diseases
 * in the early 1960s, scientist, Robert Guthrie PhD developed a blood test for phenylketonuria
 * most test are taken from a few drops of blood from the baby's heel and is applied to only one side of filter paper. each blood spot should be about 1cm in diameter. the blood has to soak completely through the filter paper. next the blood needs to dry at room temperature for about four hours. after drying, the card's protection flap should be folded over the blood spots.the paper then is sent to the state public health laboratory for testing.
 * Insurance or Medicaid pays for the test
 * babies are tested twice