Health Chemistry

Health Chemistry is a section of the Health Chemistry Laboratory at the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL).

Health Chemistry Screening

Blue Eyed BabyIn Kansas, neonatal screening responsibilities are shared between the Health Chemistry Laboratory and the Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program. The Laboratory is responsible for the processing and testing of dried blood spot specimens, while the Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program is responsible for notifying parents and doctors when there is an abnormal result. Learn more by visiting the Newborn Screening Program webpage.

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Specimen Guidelines

For all human specimens submitted for blood metals or newborn screening, see the Health Chemistry Specimen Submission Guidelines (PDF) for specific collection, rejection, and transport guidelines.

See the Neonatal Chemistry page for detailed information on how to properly collect and ship a specimen.

On occasion, the laboratory receives specimens which are not satisfactory for newborn screening. These specimens will have a specific comment on the final laboratory report indicating the reason the specimen was not suitable for testing. For examples of unsatisfactory specimens, review the Filter Paper Dried Blood Spot Unsatisfactory Codes (PDF).

If your facility would like assistance on how to collect newborn screening dried blood spot filter paper specimens, the Newborn Metabolic Screening: Specimen Collection video may be helpful. If additional help or assistance is needed, contact the Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program at 785-291-3363.

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