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Health Chemistry
Health Chemistry is a section of the Health Chemistry Laboratory at the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL).
Health Chemistry Screening
In 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.
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.
Supplies & Request Forms
Newborn Screening Filter Paper Form Requests
Newborn screening filter paper forms can be ordered by mailing or faxing a completed order form to the Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Laboratories' Customer Service department. Please read the instructions on How to Complete the Newborn Screening Filter Paper Form (DOC).
Change Request Authorization Form
Use the Change Request Authorization Form (PDF) for all demographic corrections, test additions, or other laboratory report modifications. The form must be signed, dated, and faxed to the KHEL before any final changes will be made on all preliminary or final laboratory reports.
Laboratory Report Delivery Form
Use the Laboratory Report Delivery Form (PDF) to update or add report recipient information for laboratory report delivery. The form must be signed, dated, and faxed to the KHEL before any changes will be made to the current laboratory report delivery method.
Report Request Form
Use the Report Request Form (PDF) to request additional copies of laboratory reports. One form is required for each patient. The form must be signed, dated, and faxed to the KHEL before any changes will be made to the current laboratory report delivery method.
Request Brochures
If your facility would like a packet of Newborn Screening brochures in English or Spanish, fax your request to the Health Chemistry Screening Program at 785-296-0978. Expectant or new mothers should contact your obstetrician or general health care provider.
Related Documents
- Filter Paper Dried Blood Spot Unsatisfactory Codes (PDF)
- Health Chemistry Specimen Submission Guidelines (PDF)
- Kansas Newborn Screening Brochure - Spanish Version (PDF)
- Kansas Newborn Screening Brochure (PDF)
- Specimen Kit Request Form
- Newborn Screening Electronic Test Ordering User Guide (PDF)
- Newborn Physician Report Viewing Instructions (PDF)
History of Neonatal Screening in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Laboratories began testing for phenylketonuria (PKU) in 1965 when screening for neonatal PKU was mandated in Kansas. Over the next thirty years, the law was amended and the Health Chemistry laboratory added screening for congenital hypothyroidism (1977), galactosemia (1984), and hemoglobinopathies (1990).
On July 1, 2008, the Health Chemistry laboratory began the recommended expanded screening panel with the addition of screening for cystic fibrosis, biotinidase, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Additional screening for amino acid, fatty acid, and organic acid disorders were added on October 20, 2008, completing the expansion of the neonatal chemistry screening panel and increasing the number of disorders screened from 4 to a total of 29 as recommended by the national American College of Medical Genetics.
Related Statutes
Mission Statements
- The mission of KDHE is to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans.
- The mission of KHEL is to provide timely and accurate analytical information for public health benefit in Kansas and to assure the quality of statewide laboratory services through certification and improvement programs.
- The mission of Health Chemistry is to provide superior analytical data for all infants and children in Kansas on tests ranging from genetic diseases to toxins in the environment.