There is no opt-out option for newborn screening in West Virginia. Policies and ResourcesĪll newborns must participate in newborn screening. How is Newborn Screening Paid for in West Virginia? Parents are encouraged to be their child’s best advocate and check with the child’s doctor to find out the results and ask whether a repeat test is needed.

That doctor or clinic will receive a report of the baby's test results. This does not automatically mean the child has a metabolic disorder.īefore leaving the hospital or birth center, parents are asked for the name and address of the doctor or clinic that will be caring for the baby. Retesting may need to be done only because the initial test results were questionable. Since getting your child on a treatment plan as soon as possible can greatly improve their chances at living a full, healthy life, it is necessary that your doctor have a current phone number and address by which to reach you if your child needs to come back in for further tests. If a baby needs repeat testing, it is important that the baby return to the hospital, doctor, or clinic right away. The tests done in the hospital (or with the home birth kit) are 'screening' tests only. The test requires a few drops of blood obtained from a heel stick. Prior to leaving the hospital (or after a home birth) babies will receive screening for the newborn condition. To help protect newborn infants from intellectual disability and other severe health problems, West Virginia state law requires that all infants be screened for certain conditions that when detected and treated early can prevent the harmful and developmental effects of those diseases.

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