Improving the Quality of an Academic Medical Center Newborn Screening Program

Mandated screening of newborn infants now includes testing for metabolic conditions, hearing issues and congenital heart disease. Lay media brought attention to the issue of delayed and unsatisfactory newborn screening specimens impeding this process. Establishment of a program incorporating the key elements for newborn screening outlined by AWHONN, along with establishment of the role of the Newborn Screening Coordinator provides an infrastructure that allows for increased compliance with State mandated newborn screening public health programs.