After newborn screen testing is complete, the blood spot card is stored safely. Blood spot cards have many important public health uses, such as making sure the newborn screening tests are accurate, and for research on better ways to test, treat and cure serious childhood diseases. For these types of public health uses, all information that can identify a child is removed from the blood spot card, unless parents provide advance written consent, for any use outside of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Click here to learn more about potential public health uses for blood spot cards after testing is completed.
If a parent decides they do not want their child’s blood spot card to be used for any other purpose after the newborn screen test is completed, Texas law allows them to have DSHS destroy the blood spot card. Any parent that wishes to exercise this option should completely fill out and sign the Use and Storage of Newborn Screening Blood Spot Cards Form and submit it to the DSHS. Upon receipt of a completed form, the department will destroy the child’s blood spot cards within 60 days of receipt of the request or after newborn screening tests are completed.
Note: If a request for destruction is received, ALL blood spot cards for the child will be destroyed and will not be available for any use, including use by the family or child.
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