States New Jersey

Conditions Screened

New Jersey currently screens for 63 conditions

The New Jersey Program

Each state runs its program differently, for more detailed information please visit their website here.

Download Brochure

Here is a brochure for the state of New Jersey.

Brochure >>

What Conditions are Screened For in New Jersey?

Hemoglobin Disorders

Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Contacts

Newborn Screening and Genetic Services Program

NBS Laboratory

Miriam Schachter, PhD
Program Manager
Newborn Screening Laboratory
Public Health and Environmental Laboratories
New Jersey Department of Health
PO Box 371
Trenton, NJ 08625-0371
Direct Phone: 609-530-8361
[email protected]

Main Lab Phone: 609-530-8371
Fax: 609-530-8373
http://newbornscreening.nj.gov

Follow-Up Program

Suzanne Canuso, MSN, RN
Interim Program Manager
Newborn Screening and Genetic Services Program
Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services
Division of Family Health Services
New Jersey Department of Health
PO Box 364
Trenton, NJ 08625-0364
Phone: 609-292-1582
Fax: 609-943-5752
[email protected]
NJ NBS Follow-up E-Mail: [email protected]

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Ariel Meltzer, MS, MSW, LSW
Program Coordinator
Early Identification and Monitoring Program
Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services
Division of Family Health Services
New Jersey Department of Health
PO Box 364
Trenton, NJ 08625-0364
Phone: 609-913-5387
Fax: 609-633-7820
TTY: 609-984-1343
[email protected]

CCHD Program

Joy Rende, MSA, RNC-E, MNN, NE-BC
Nursing Consultant
Newborn Screening and Genetic Services
Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services
Division of Family Health Services 
New Jersey Department of Health

PO Box 364
Trenton, NJ 08625
Office/Cell: 609-913-5485
Main: 609-292-1582
Fax: 609-943-5752
[email protected]

Search Educational Resources

Looking for resources? Check out our Newborn Screening Education and Training Resource Center.

VIEW RESOURCES

About Newborn Screening in New Jersey

Program Overview:

New Jersey laws require that every baby born in New Jersey receive three newborn screening tests: bloodspot screening, hearing screening and critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) screening. These conditions may not be apparent at birth, but if left undetected and not treated early in life, can lead to problems that include intellectual disability, physical disability, or even death. The goal of screening is to decrease morbidity and mortality and increase wellness.  To this end, newborn screening is a comprehensive program that includes testing, follow-up of results, and if necessary, examination and treatment by a qualified specialist.

How is Newborn Screening Paid for in ­­New Jersey?

Initial newborn bloodspot screening collection forms are purchased by birthing hospitals and midwives at a cost of $150.00 per form. These forms are purchased in advance and the cost is incorporated into the labor and delivery charges. Hearing screening is partially funded by two federal grants and supported by Maternal Child Health Block Grant funds, CCHD is an unfunded mandate. 

Policies and Resources

Opt-Out:

Newborns with one of these rare conditions often have no family history of the disorder and appear healthy at birth. Because of this, the very best way to prevent permanent damage is to screen all newborns and begin treatment as early as possible when a disorder is confirmed. All newborns are expected to receive a battery of three newborn screening tests unless parents object on religious grounds. The person administering screening must inform parents of the purpose of the test and the need for screening and provide educational materials. Refusal of screening is documented in the infant's medical record. It is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of a hospital or other birthing facility to ensure that parents are informed and supplied with educational materials provided by the state newborn screening follow-up program.

Support for families:

One of the concerns some families may have when they find out their child has a condition detected through the newborn screening program is the increase in health care cost. Fortunately, New Jersey has many laws and programs which have been put in place to make treatment of these conditions more affordable for families.

New Jersey has made a commitment to assist families caring for children with complex, long-term medical and developmental disabilities. For children with special healthcare needs, prompt attention to their condition early in life helps assure they will lead healthier lives when they are older. Each of the State’s 21 counties has a Special Child Health Services (SCHS) Case Management Unit jointly funded by SCHS and the county freeholders. SCHS Case Managers, with parental consent, work with the child’s parents and with others involved in the care of the child to evaluate an affected child’s strengths and needs; and develop an individual service plan for the child and family. Medical, educational, developmental, social and economic needs of the child and family are targeted. Examples of programs that SCHS Case Managers may refer families to for family support include New Jersey Parent to Parent and the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Program. Click here to find your county’s case manager.

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) is a unique State program that provides a financial safety net for New Jersey families overwhelmed by medical expenses that are not fully covered by insurance, State or federal programs, or any other resource. Eligibility requirements include age (birth to 21 years), New Jersey residency, and the amount of uncovered medical expenses incurred must exceed 10% of the first $100,000 of a family’s annual income, plus 15% of any income over $100,000. You can contact the CICRF program for more information by calling 1-800-335 FUND (3863) or visit the CICRF website.

For more information, please visit the NJ Department of Health’s website: http://www.nj.gov/health/

Storage and Use of Dried Blood Spots:

After your newborn has been screened for the conditions, there is some blood which remains on the card and this is called a “residual dried blood spot.” Currently, the New Jersey Department of Health securely stores all residual dried blood spots at ambient temperature and humidity for 23 years after testing. They are not used for purposes other than newborn screening without parental consent or court order. This retention and use policy is undergoing significant revision as our State Newborn Screening Advisory Review Committee has gathered a group of medical experts, advocates, and parents to review the current policy.

Newborn screening information is confidential. Only non-identifiable information is public record.

To see a copy of the blood spot card used in New Jersey click here.

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