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U-M Health SystemThis information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.
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Newborn Screening - Endocrine Follow-up Program

What is the Follow-up Program all about?
What happens if my baby's screen is abnormal?
Will my baby still need his/her newborn checkup?
What is the Follow-up Program all about?

Newborn screening is a statewide program administered by the Michigan Department of Public Health. All babies born in Michigan are screened at birth for seven disorders which can have serious consequences if not detected early, and for which treatment is available. The Endocrine Follow-up program is sponsored by the state of Michigan's Newborn Screening program and is located within the University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology. This follow-up program monitors all screens in the state which are abnormal for the two endocrine disorders on the screening card.


What happens if my baby's screen is abnormal?

The Endocrine Follow-up office is notified when a baby's screen is abnormal for Congenital Hypothyroidism or Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, two disorders which need prompt diagnosis and treatment. The goal of the Follow-up office is to make sure the baby gets a repeat Newborn Screen or a referral for more intensive evaluation. Most abnormal screens are followed by a repeat screen, but some screens are followed by a special blood test, depending on the case.

The Follow-up office uses several modes of communication, including phone, FAX and mail to provide notification of abnormal levels to primary caregivers as quickly as possible. The pediatrician named on the screening card is contacted first, but sometimes parents need to be contacted if the physician is not known. When parents are notified that their baby had an abnormal newborn screen, it is very important that they have their baby rescreened and contact a primary care physician.


Will my baby still need his/her newborn checkup?

Newborn screening cannot replace routine checkups by a baby's health care provider. The Endocrine Follow-up office staff contacts a baby's physician and parents to help get the baby retested as soon as possible. We can provide a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist if necessary. The follow-up office keeps data and statistics about babies with abnormal endocrine screens and can offer advice on diagnostic evaluations.

If you need additional information about the endocrine disorders in the Michigan Newborn Screening program, please call the Endocrine Follow-up Office at (734) 647-8938.

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