Newborn Screening
The Indiana Newborn Screening Program is a state-funded initiative within the Maternal and Child Health division of the Indiana Department of Health. Its primary goal is to ensure that every newborn in Indiana undergoes timely and quality screening for over 50 medical conditions, facilitating early detection and intervention to promote optimal health outcomes.
Components of the Newborn Screening
Blood Spot Screening: A small blood sample is collected from the newborn's heel to test for various metabolic, genetic, and endocrine disorders.
Hearing Screening: Evaluates the newborn's hearing to identify potential hearing loss, enabling early intervention.
Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screening: Assesses the newborn for critical heart defects that may require immediate attention.
Indiana law mandates that these screenings be conducted before the newborn is discharged from the hospital. For home births, screenings must occur within five days of birth.
The program screens for a comprehensive list of conditions, including but not limited to Metabolic disorders, Sickle cell disease, Newborn Screening Information Center, Cystic fibrosis, Congenital hearing loss, Critical congenital heart disease, and Lysosomal storage disorders.
A complete list of screened conditions is available on the Indiana Department of Health's website.
Cost and Financial Assistance
The fee for newborn screening in Indiana is $120, subject to annual review by the Indiana Department of Health. Families facing financial constraints may seek assistance through programs like Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS), which offers support for medical services to qualifying families.
Opt-Out Policy
Parents with religious objections can opt out of newborn screening by providing a written statement. It's important to note that opting out means the hospital, doctor, and clinic staff are not responsible if the baby develops problems due to undiagnosed conditions.
Contact Information
Address: Indiana Department of Health, 2 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 888-815-0006
Fax: 317-234-2995
Email: NewbornScreening@health.in.gov
Website: Indiana Newborn Screening Program
For laboratory-related inquiries, contact the Newborn Screening Laboratory at Indiana University:
Address: 351 W. 10th Street; Room 350, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 1-800-245-9137
Fax: 317-321-2495
Email: BGLesko@iu.edu
For additional details about the program, including conditions screened and resources for families and providers, please visit the Indiana Newborn Screening Program website.
The Indiana Newborn Screening Program is a state-funded initiative within the Maternal and Child Health division of the Indiana Department of Health. Its primary goal is to ensure that every newborn in Indiana undergoes timely and quality screening for over 50 medical conditions, facilitating early detection and intervention to promote optimal health outcomes. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) administers comprehensive programs that include both bloodspot screening and hearing screening for all newborns in the state. Learn more
Indiana law mandates that these screenings be conducted before the newborn is discharged from the hospital. For home births, screenings must occur within five days of birth.
Contact Information
Address: Indiana Department of Health,
2 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 888-815-0006
Fax: 317-234-2995
Email: NewbornScreening@health.in.gov
Website: Indiana Newborn Screening Program
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