Iowa Newborn Screening Program

The purpose of screening for metabolic and congenital disorders in the newborn period is to enable the early identification of, and intervention for, at-risk individuals in order to prevent or lessen adverse health consequences such as intellectual and physical disability, serious illness, and death, with the overall objective of improving the quality of life for Iowans.

Newborn screening is required by law in Iowa to screen for certain inherited conditions. Babies born in Iowa have small spots of blood collected 24 to 48 hours from birth to be tested for newborn screening.

The Iowa Department of Public Health works with the State Hygienic Lab at The University of Iowa, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and health care providers around the state to collect, test and follow-up for newborn screening.

This site is designed to provide information about newborn screening to families, providers, staff and anyone seeking information about the Iowa Newborn Screening Program. 

* Iowa Newborn Screening Programs do not provide newborn drug screening services.