How can DHS Methamphetamine specialists use information about this new resource to improve our protection of children?
Results from MecStatSM EtOH tests give DHS personnel direct information about newborns who have been exposed to high levels of Ethyl Alcohol. Approximately 3% of all newborns have been exposed to high levels of alcohol and these newborns meconium specimens have FAEE levels greater than 10,000 ng/gram. This Red Flag level represents the only one quarter of the total number of alcohol exposed newborns. Three quarters of alcohol exposed newborns were exposed to small or moderate amounts of alcohol and represent lower risks of manifesting signs and symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The newborns with FAEE levels greater than 10,000 are at higher risk for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as well as a higher probability of living in a chaotic environment where abuse or neglect is more likely.
