Section 80. Newborn dried-blood-spot screening specimen collection, specimen submission, and notification for deliveries outside of the hospital

A. In the event that the infant is born outside of a hospital, the attending physician or midwife shall ensure that:

1. Newborn dried-blood-spot specimen collection and submission is done in accordance with requirements that are determined by the department's designated testing laboratory.

2. Newborn dried-blood-spot specimen collection occurs after 24 hours of age.

3. If the initial newborn dried-blood-spot specimen is collected before 24 hours of age, a repeat specimen shall be collected no later than 14 days of age, regardless of earlier test results.

4. If the newborn is hospitalized, the infant's healthcare provider shall cause the newborn dried-blood-spot screening specimen collection and submission in accordance with 12VAC5-71-70.

B. The healthcare provider in charge of the infant's care, on receiving notice of the results of the infant's newborn dried-blood-spot screening test, shall place or cause to be placed the results in the infant's medical record and cause parental notification of test results.

C. The healthcare provider in charge of the infant's care, on receiving notice from the testing laboratory that the infant's newborn dried-blood-spot specimen is unsatisfactory, shall:

1. Cause the collection of a repeat specimen as soon as possible but no later than two business days after notice; and

2. Cause the submission of the specimen.

D. The healthcare provider in charge of the infant's care, on receiving notice of the infant's screened-abnormal result, shall:

1. Cause the collection of a repeat newborn dried-blood-spot specimen for repeat or confirmatory testing as soon as possible but no later than two business days after notice;

2. Cause the submission of the specimen; and

3. Take immediate action, as instructed, when notified of a critically abnormal screening result.

E. If a licensed midwife has ordered the newborn dried-blood-spot screening test and is notified that the results are unsatisfactory or abnormal, the infant shall be immediately referred to a physician or health care facility for repeat collection and submission and for care and treatment as necessary.

F. The licensed midwife shall cause the collection and submission of a repeat newborn dried-blood-spot specimen if the specimen is unsatisfactory and referring the infant to a physician or health care facility for repeat collection will result in a delay of more than two business days.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 13, eff. April 4, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 07, eff. January 24, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-67 of the Code of Virginia.