New Hampshire

Newborn Bloodspot Screening

The New Hampshire Newborn Screening Program screens infants for 40 inherited and metabolic disorders. A few drops of blood are collected from a baby’s heel between 24–48 hours after birth. This screening is mandated by state law (RSA 132:10-a) and is crucial for early identification and intervention, However, parents can decline the screening if they choose. Conditions Screened Include: Critical Congenital Heart Defects (CCHD), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Pompe Disease, Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 1 (MPS1), X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), Phenylketonuria (PKU), Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), and many more. Early detection through this quick and simple test ensures babies can get the care they need right away, helping them thrive. This program is provided by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and is an important part of giving babies the best start in life.

For more information about the New Hampshire Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program, please contact:

Newborn Screening Program
New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services
29 Hazen Drive,
Concord, NH 03301

Phone: 603-271-4225
Email: newbornscreening@dhhs.nh.gov

Newborn Hearing Screening

All newborns in New Hampshire are screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. This screening is quick, painless, and typically performed while the baby is asleep. If a baby does not pass the initial screening, follow-up testing with a pediatric audiologist is scheduled to confirm any hearing loss. Early detection allows for timely interventions like hearing aids or therapy, supporting healthy language and communication development. Families can access follow-up care and resources through the state’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program. For more information, visit the Newborn Hearing Screening page.