How long will it take to receive a results mailer for my patient once the newborn screening specimen is collected?
After being collected, the specimen takes about one to five days to get to the regional laboratory. Within one to two days of laboratory testing, all inadequate and initial positive results are called out to physicians; however, the written report takes longer. The test results are transmitted via computer from the regional laboratory to Richmond. It usually takes one day for testing by the regional laboratory and one day for quality control review by the State laboratory. Once reviewed, the results mailer is sent from Richmond to the hospital and the physician of record. On average you should allow 10 to 14 days from the time the specimen is collected until the physician of record and the hospital receive the Newborn Screening Results Mailer. Please keep in mind that local mail delivery service may affect the time it takes to receive the results from the NBS Program. NBS Program Regulations require that hospitals check their records for newborn screening results 14 days after the baby
