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Neonatal Chemistry

Stacey Sandstrom M.S.
Health Chemistry Director
Kansas Health & Environmental Laboratories
Forbes Field, Building 740
Topeka, KS 66620-0001
Phone Number: (785) 296-2244
E-mail: ssandstrom@kdheks.gov
Fax Number: (785) 296-0978

Colleen Peterson
Neonatal Chemistry Laboratory Manager
Kansas Health & Environmental Laboratories
Forbes Field, Building 740
Topeka, KS 66620-0001
Phone Number: (785) 296-1650
E-mail: ckpeters@kdheks.gov
Fax Number: (785) 296-0978

Newborn Screening Follow-up Program
Phone Number: (785) 291-3363
Toll Free: (800) 332-6262

Newborn Hearing Screening Program
Phone Number: (785) 296-6135
Toll Free: (800) 332-6262



Neonatal Chemistry is a section of the Health Chemistry
Laboratory at the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories

  • The mission of KDHE is to protect the health and environment of all Kansans by promoting responsible choices.
     
  • 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.
     


Kansas Neonatal Chemistry Screening

Introduction

Mass Spectrometer

The Kansas 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 Neonatal Chemistry Laboratory added screening for congenital hypothyroidism (1977), galactosemia (1984), and hemoglobinopathies (1990).

July 1, 2008 the Neonatal Chemistry Laboratory of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment 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.  

In Kansas, neonatal screening responsibilities are shared between the Neonatal InfantChemistry Laboratory and the Newborn Screening Follow-up Program of The Children’s Developmental Services section of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Neonatal Chemistry Laboratory is responsible for the processing and testing of blood spot specimens, while the Newborn Screening Follow-up Program is largely responsible for notifying parents and doctors when there is an abnormal result. For further information on the Newborn Screening Follow-up Program visit their web site at: http://www.kdheks.gov/cds/index.html.

A general explanation of the Kansas Newborn Screen is found in our brochures. For more information about our brochures designed for expectant or new mothers, please go to Kansas Newborn Screening Brochure.

If your facility would like a packet of brochures please fax your request to the Neonatal Chemistry Screening Program at (785) 296-0978.

If you, as an expectant or new mother would like a brochure, please contact your obstetrician or general health care provider.


Helpful Information

   Twin Infants