Newborn Screening
Washington, DC offers comprehensive newborn screening programs to ensure early detection and timely intervention for a variety of health conditions in infants. These programs are administered by DC Health (District of Columbia Department of Health) and include newborn bloodspot (metabolic) screening, universal hearing screening, and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening.
DC Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program
The DC Newborn Screening Program is designed to identify rare but serious health conditions that may not be visible at birth. A few drops of blood are collected from a newborn’s heel, typically 24 to 48 hours after birth, and tested for a broad panel of metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, and genetic disorders. Conditions screened include phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism, sickle cell disease, and other inherited conditions.
Early detection through bloodspot screening allows for prompt treatment and management, which can significantly reduce the risk of serious health complications, developmental delays, or death. Newborn screening is required for all babies born in the District, and the cost is typically covered by insurance or Medicaid for eligible families. Learn more
Contact Information
Phone: (202) 442-5865
Email: dchealth.newbornscreening@dc.gov
DC Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program
Washington, DC’s Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program ensures that all newborns receive a hearing screening before hospital discharge or shortly after birth. The screening uses safe, non-invasive methods such as otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing.
If a baby does not pass the initial screening, follow-up diagnostic testing is recommended by three months of age, with early intervention services initiated as soon as possible for infants diagnosed with hearing loss. Early identification is critical for speech, language, and cognitive development. Learn more
Contact Information
Phone: (202) 442-9390
Email: dchealth.hearingscreening@dc.gov
By participating in these newborn screening programs, families in Washington, DC can ensure early identification and treatment of conditions that may affect their child’s long-term health and development, supporting the best possible start in life.
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