Maryland Department of Health
Office of Children and Youth with Specific Health Care Needs

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Newborn Bloodspot Screening

​Providers, please use the new Newborn Screening Lab Request form​ to order lab slips, request updates to demographic information, or upload refusal forms.

Effective April 1, 2025​, Maryland will implement a new Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) algorithm. Please see the CCHD Providers tab for more details.​

​Newborn Bloodspo​t Screening

443-681-3916​

The State of Maryland and the Office of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs are committed to identifying serious health conditions in newborns early—before symptoms appear. Newborn bloodspot screening began in 1965 with testing for Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare metabolic disorder. Since then, the program has expanded to screen for over 60 conditions

All newborns in Maryland are screened twice:

  • 24–48 hours after birth in the hospital
  • Around 2 weeks of age at a follow-up pediatric visit

Early detection allows for timely treatment and can prevent serious illness, developmental delays, and even death.

To learn more about newborn bloodspot screening, click on the links below.

For Parents                                                                                                                                           

For Providers                                                                                                                                         

Newborn Screening Legislation

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 Office of Children and Youth with Specific Health Care Needs

201 West Preston Street - Baltimore, MD 21201

Tel (410) 767-6730   Fax (410) 333-5047


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If a Parent ​Refuses NBS for Their Baby 

This refusal must be documented in writing with a parent’s signature indicating they have been informed of the risks and benefits of newborn bloodspot screening and have chosen not to have their baby tested.

Click here for the form: REFUSAL FORM 

(If your hospital has approved your own refusal form this may be substituted)​

The NBS Follow-Up Unit must also be notified within 12 hours of refusal. We will contact the family and discuss risks and benefits of newborn bloodspot screening. Submit refusal form here.

Advisory Council on Hereditary and Congenital Disorders​

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