Newborn Screening Packets for Parents
Through the generosity of PerkinElmer Genetics, Inc., and funding provided by the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation, a limited number of newborn screening packets are available each month, free of charge, for expectant parents who qualify. Please read further to learn whether you are eligible and, if so, how to apply for a free NBS packet.

Who is eligible for a free NBS packet?
Parents who reside in most states of the United States and who are not able to pay for a supplemental newborn screening packet are eligible. You will not be given a free packet if you live in one of the locations below:

• Minnesota - all newborns receive comprehensive NBS for 50+ disorders
• Mississippi - all newborns receive comprehensive NBS for 50+ disorders
• Nebraska - parents are given the option for supplemental NBS to total 50+ disorders
• Washington, D.C. - all newborns receive comprehensive NBS for 50+ disorders
• Pennsylvania - 95% of newborns in PA receive comprehensive NBS for 50+ disorders, but you are eligible if your hospital is one of the few that do not provide it. Check with your hospital first!
• NOTE: Various hospitals across the U.S. contract with a private laboratory for supplemental NBS totaling 50+ disorders. It's a good idea to check with your hospital first, no matter where you live, to see if your baby will be screened for more than 50 disorders.

When should I apply for a free NBS packet?
You should apply early in the third trimester (7th month of your pregnancy)--or sooner--so that you will have time to arrange with your hospital for a few extra drops of blood to be drawn from your baby's heel at the same time as the routine newborn screening specimen is taken. It is not advisable to simply show up for delivery and unexpectedly hand over the packet. Hospital personnel are not necessarily familiar with supplemental newborn screening and may refuse. At the very least, they may need time to put the procedure in place, so it's best to alert them several weeks before your baby's due date.

How do I apply for a free NBS packet?
(Please be kind and apply only if you truly cannot afford to purchase a packet yourself. Quantities are limited.) Contact the foundation for a free packet in one of the following ways:

• Click on write to us to send an email request. Include:
  1. your full name
  2. postal address
  3. name and city of hospital where your baby will be born (or notation that there will be a midwife)
  4. the baby's due date
  5. family history of a metabolic disorder (if any)
  6. a simple statement that you are not able to pay for a newborn screening packet

  Also, please tell us how you first heard about the free NBS packets.

• OR call toll-free 1-888-454-3383. Mention "free newborn screening packet" and leave your name and phone number. Someone will call you for the rest of the information as noted above.

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