http://genes-r-us.uthscsa.edu/resources/genetics/Guidelines%20on%20Storage%20and%20Use.pdf
The amount of time for which newborn screening samples are maintained varies from state to state, however (and to the dismay of the Council of Regional Networks for Genetic Services) only one state maintains the cards in sealed bags with dessicant, and no state has a plan for cataloging and retrieval of sample cards. Â Granted, this report is 15 years old. Â But states haven't exactly been flush with cash for a lot of that time. Â Also, some states now allow parents to request that their child's sample card be destroyed after screening.
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There's also an article in the current issue of Genetics in Medicine. Â No abstract available, but the title sounds like researchers are frustrated:Â http://journals.lww.com/geneticsinmedicine/Citation/2011/07000/Storage_and_use_of_residual_newborn_screening.4.aspx
I can't be sure without at least an abstract, but it sounds like huge quantities of newborn screening cards are being destroyed by mildew and vermin in the basements of state storage facilities. Â Â
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
miriamÂ

I was told that it is none of my business. Â
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Why do you assume the people who do the testing or the doctor/technician in charge are at all accommodating? Â
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If you were told this when you were asking about your children's screening cards, that was rude. Â If you were told that when asking about someone else's children's screening cards, that's what they should say. Â
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