APHL poised to help newborn screening community overcome challenges caused by pandemic

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is assisting state health labs with how best to adapt the process of sharing results of newborn screening tests with parents. Newborn screening is essential for early diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a primary immunodeficiency that can be fatal if not diagnosed within the first year of life.

While labs continue to process newborn screening tests, the newborn screening community is currently facing several challenges related to COVID-19. APHL recently convened a group of short-term follow-up newborn screening staff to discuss obstacles they are facing as they try to share newborn screening test results. These challenges include staffing shortages, adjusting to remote work, closures of outpatient clinics and doctor offices, decreases in medical staff, parents’ concerns about bringing their children into medical facilities, and limited courier deliveries.

In the coming weeks and months, APHL will work with members of the newborn screening community to strategize about developing guidelines and best practices as they relate to navigating through these challenging times.

For additional information on newborn screening, visit the APHL’s NewSTEPs program, the Genetic Alliance’s Expecting Health program, or the Immune Deficiency Foundation’s SCID Compass program.