Three Michigan newborn screening courses can be accessed online and offer nursing contact hours. Titles of the trainings are:
As trusted providers, it is important for community birth providers to educate their clients about newborn screening throughout their pregnancy. Early education allows families to recognize the importance of screening and have their questions answered prior to collection. Resources are available to help you introduce the screening process to families. More information on newborn screening education can be found under the "Prenatal Education Resources" tab of this webpage.
This infographic explains what families can expect for their child's newborn screening and includes a list of conditions that are tested for.
Families may have questions about what disorders are included on the Michigan newborn screening panel. The link below includes information about all of the conditions and fact sheets that provide more information about these health problems.
Accurate completion of the newborn screening card and quality blood spot collection is critical. All specimens are examined for quality upon receipt at the newborn screening lab. Unsatisfactory specimens will require a repeat specimen collection. The following resources provide guidance and tips for card completion and specimen collection:
Midwives are required to have a supply of homebirth kits on hand for the collection of newborn screens. The kits contain necessary items to perform the specimen collection, as well as educational information for the family.
Orders for NBS kits can be placed online using the QR code on this page or directly on the online ordering form. They can also be placed by printing the newborn screening ordering form. For questions related to kit orders, please call 517-335-1400 or email NBSorders@Michigan.gov.
Payment for screens are made to the newborn screening program by the family. The newborn screening program does not bill insurance. Payment options to review with clients are included in the kit. Payment options include:
Newborn screening lab reports are mailed or faxed to the submitter once testing is complete. A statement of understanding form must be completed to receive results via fax.
MDHHS Statement of Understanding Automatic Fax Transmission Option
Carefully review results with the family. If follow-up requests are made, such as obtaining a repeat collection, complete those steps as quickly as possible.
The NBS Program ensures that all infants with positive newborn screens receive rapid follow-up through a designated coordinating center. If a strong positive result is detected, the primary care provider and/or community birth attendant is immediately notified. Notification includes the screening results, action required, and the designated coordinating center contact information. The coordinating centers are responsible for arranging prompt medical management that includes confirmatory diagnostic testing, clinical evaluations by medical specialists, and treatment. To learn more information about Michigan’s follow-up coordinating centers, including contact information, please click here.
After newborn screening is performed at the state laboratory, any unused blood spots (including parts of blood spots) are stored for up to 100 years. Stored blood spots can be used in a few ways:
The BioTrust for Health facilitates research that drives medical and public health advancements. Families' consent allows for studies that improve health outcomes for all. To help you and your clients better understand the BioTrust for Health and how it works, please browse the educational materials listed below:
After newborn screening is complete, clients may also choose to have the leftover blood spots destroyed or request that they be returned to their family for personal use. These options ensure that families have autonomy over the storage and use of blood spots. Storage and consent decisions can be changed at any time by completing the forms listed below:
Back to Newborn Screening Home Page
Back to Resources for Health Professionals
Updated 09/25/2025
