The mission of the District of Columbia Newborn Metabolic Screening Program (DC NMS) - or also referred to as dried blood spot screening - is to detect, diagnose, and treat every newborn baby who tests positive for certain inherited metabolic and genetic disorders.  

The DC NMS Program collaborates with all of the hospitals and birthing facilities in the District of Columbia to screen for 45 inherited metabolic and genetic disorders that are treatable by diet, vitamins and/or medication, or by anticipatory measures to prevent attacks. Metabolic and genetic disorders are rare, but serious, conditions that can lead to severe health and developmental problems or even death if not identified and treated early. 

The DC NMS Program’s goal is to ensure that every infant born in the District is screened via a dried blood spot test prior to discharge. Infants identified with abnormal screening results receive timely and appropriate follow-up, to treat inherited diseases before the onset of clinical symptoms. 

Structure of Program: 

⎼ Screening takes place between 24 and 48 hours of life, with the contracted laboratory, PerkinElmer Genomics, Inc. delivering any abnormal results to the ordering practitioner/facility, the newborn’s PCP (if indicated) and the DC NMS Program. 

⎼ DC NMS follows up on all abnormal lab results, including inconclusive and presumptive positive cases, to better ensure that newborns needing further testing are evaluated quickly, referred to specialty care and connected to appropriate care and treatment. 

Services include: 

• FREE (at birth) Newborn Screening Test (dried blood spot heel stick) at a DC Hospital or Birthing Center 
• The DC Health Newborn Metabolic Screening Program (DC NMS) actively tracks and follow-ups up on all abnormal newborn dried blood spot (DBS) screening results  
• DC NMS and DC Providers work together to conduct follow-up services by contacting and informing parents and healthcare providers 
• DC NMS and DC Providers make referrals to Counseling and Education, Clinical Evaluation and Management and to Treatment Centers 
• Any licensed provider who registers can access any lab report as needed from the DC Revvity Omics Database. Please reach out to Pat Garvin to receive and form and submit back to her ([email protected]). Note: Please use the DC Health address and phone number as indicated in the demographic portion of the form to contact you.