How long do I wait to collect a screen if baby has been transfused?
Always collect a newborn screening before any transfusion even if the infant is < 24 hours old, the hemoglobin and biotinidase enzyme results will be accurate and will not need to be repeated if the results are normal. • All tests except HGB: Collect a filter paper 4 days past transfusion if baby did not have a normal newborn screen on lactose feeds or if the 1st specimen was collected at < 24 hours of age. • Hgb (hemoglobin): Will need to be collected 3 months after the last transfusion if a filter paper was not collected prior to transfusion identifying a normal hemoglobin. This specimen will need to be collected in a microvette tube and sent to the Meharry Sickle Cell Center. *If an infant has symptoms such as vomiting diarrhea, dehydration, or jaundice, the newborn screen should be repeated immediately regardless of the number of days that have passed since the transfusion. In addition, the regional metabolic center or endocrinologist (depending on symptoms) should be contacted.
