Babies First: An Educational Video in Newborn Screening

The State Hygienic Laboratory is creating an educational video for nurses, phlebotomists and hospital laboratory employees involved in the collection and submission of blood spot specimens used in newborn screening (NBS). By collecting blood samples from the heel of babies 24 to 48 hours old, NBS can save lives and prevent disabilities caused by congenital disorders that are left undetected and untreated. Samples must be properly collected in a timely manner. The submission of an unsatisfactory blood specimen can result in the need for resampling, which may cause a delay in detection and potential negative health outcomes for the baby. The video was designed to provide information about collecting quality specimens with the goal of reducing the number of unsatisfactory specimens sent to the State Hygienic Laboratory. Surveys on NBS were sent to nursing, phlebotomy, and laboratory staff in eastern and central Iowa hospitals. These surveys were designed to assess knowledge about NBS, as well as areas of confusion with the NBS process. After results were assessed, the Hygienic Laboratory hosted two focus groups to further explain the NBS process and demonstrate the testing for hospital staff involved in specimen collection. Because of the positive feedback from the hospital staff, the Laboratory decided to create a 15- to 20-minute educational video addressing some of the most common questions and concerns raised by nurses and phlebotomists who were surveyed. The video features staff from three Iowa hospitals asking these questions and the responses from the Hygienic Laboratory newborn screening staff, who also demonstrated the testing process. The project received a Baby's First Test Challenge Award through Genetic Alliance to expand the video and to carry out a promotional campaign, which includes elements of traditional and social media elements.