Newborn screening program

Early screening and detection can save lives

Approximately 35,000 babies are born in Connecticut each year. The Connecticut Newborn Screening Program (CT NBS) helps providers and parents catch many rare and serious conditions early and treat them effectively. Early treatment can help your child to live a full, happy, and healthy life.

Newborn screening includes a set of tests to determine whether your child has certain serious but treatable conditions. These tests include:

  • Bloodspot screen to detect 60+ genetic and developmental conditions
  • Pulse oximetry screen to check for serious heart problems
  • Hearing test

Get the information you need about newborn screening

Information for parents
Discover everything you need to know about the Newborn Screening Program. Learn the benefits of newborn screening, how it’s done, and next steps after screening. Find additional resources for parents.

Information for healthcare providers
Find instructions and guidelines for newborn screening, including the address for our State Public Health Lab (SPHL). Explore knowledge nuggets for certain genetic and metabolic conditions.

Online training course
Take our online training course to learn about the newborn screening process. This course has been designed for hospital providers and midwives.

Watch our CT Newborn Screening Program video

Make sure your baby is healthy

Newborn screening saves lives. It has been declared one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 21st century by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We understand, though, that you may have questions.

Watch this short video to learn:

  • Why newborn screening is necessary and important
  • Testimonials from children and families who have benefitted from newborn screening
  • A step-by-step walkthrough of the newborn screening process
  • Clinical information and guidelines for providers

What is detected through newborn screening?

The CT Newborn Screening Panel detects over 60 disorders as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Learn more about the Newborn Screening Panel.


A-to-Z list of disorders detected through newborn screening 

Explore all the disorders and conditions that newborn screening can discover in your child. Doctors can then provide early and effective treatment so they can live a happy, healthy life.

Amino acid and urea cycle disorders 

Learn about disorders that affect how the body processes proteins in food. Proteins are necessary for growth, energy, and repair. Disorders like these can cause serious problems with in children.

Endocrine disorders  

Discover disorders that can affect your baby’s hormone levels. These can be either making too much or too little of a hormone, or glands and organs not working properly.

Fatty acid oxidation disorders 

Discover how fatty acid oxidation (FAO) disorders can affect your baby’s metabolism by preventing them from breaking down fats to turn into energy.

Heart and hearing conditions 

Learn about early testing for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) and hearing loss in newborn children.

Hemoglobin disorders 

Find out more about hemoglobin disorders, which affect how your blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.

Organic acid disorders 

Learn about how organic acid disorders (OADs) could cause your baby to be unable to digest certain proteins and fats from food.

Uncategorized disorders 

Explore conditions that do not fit into any particular disorder category. They include cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, severe combined immunodeficiency, and more.

Find more newborn screening resources

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Get the answers to the most commonly asked questions about newborn screening.
Explore FAQs about newborn screening  

Order screening supplies

Is your practice running low on newborn screening bloodspot cards and fliers? Submit a request with CT NBS to order more.
Submit a screening supply order  

Newborn screening forms

Find important NBS forms including authorization forms, requests to destroy or return bloodspot screening samples, home birth or out-of-state birth forms, and more.
Newborn screening forms  

Contact the Newborn Screening Program

Get in touch with the experts

Submit any questions to the CT Newborn Screening Program. We monitor this mailbox Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you do not receive an answer within 2 business days or you need help immediately, please call us during regular business hours.

Phone: 860-920-6628
Email: dph.nbstracking@ct.gov
Ask the Newborn Screening Program a question