How It Works
The process for screening your newborn is simple. ViaCord will mail you a HealthCheck | NB genetic screening packet to bring to the hospital on the day of delivery. Once you are moved to the post-partum room, a healthcare professional will perform the HealthCheck | NB blood sample collection, about 24-48 hours after birth.
The procedure, called a heel stick, is a quick and simple process in which the newborn baby's heel is pricked and then a small amount of the blood is collected on the special HealthCheck | NB filter paper. The heel stick is the most common way to draw blood from newborns.
Once complete, the healthcare professional will return the screening packet to you. Simply mail the sample to our lab using the UPS Next-Day Air envelope, provided in the HealthCheck|NB screening packet, by placing it in the nearest UPS drop-box.*
Your Pediatrician will notify you of your lab results. An abnormal result at the time of screening indicates the need for diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of a disorder. If an abnormality is confirmed, early medical intervention can play a key role in helping him or her lead a healthier life.**