Congenital Hypothyroidism Screening in New Jersey
Screening for congenital hypothyroidism in the state of New Jersey is performed by an initial measurement of thyroxine (T4) levels. Those samples in the lowest 10% of the T4 run are then tested for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). A serum analysis is required for confirmatory testing.
The follow-up recommendations for congenital hypothyroidism screens in the state of New Jersey are as follows
| Newborn Screening Result | Interpretation | Follow-Up Action Recommended
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| normal T4, normal TSH | within acceptable limits | none |
| normal T4, elevated TSH (>20 uIU) | borderline abnormal | A serum specimen is requested within 2 days. Referral to a pediatric endocrinology consultant is also recommended. |
| low T4, normal TSH | borderline abnormal | A repeat filter paper specimen is requested within 2 days. If the repeat is abnormal, a serum specimen for confirmatory testing, along with referral to a pediatric endocrinology consultant, is recommended. |
| low T4, elevated TSH (20-40 uIU) | borderline abnormal | A repeat filter paper specimen is requested within 2 days. If the repeat is abnormal, a serum specimen for confirmatory testing, along with referral to a pediatric endocrinology consultant, is recommended. |
| low T4, elevated TSH (>40 uIU) | presumptive positive | It is recommended that the infant be examined and a serum specimen for confirmatory testing be obtained within 2 days. Referral to a pediatric endocrinology consultant is also strongly recommended. |
Note: It is strongly recommended that the regional consultants be contacted for infants with presumptive positive results or with second borderline abnormal results. Physicians who wish to secure the serum specimens themselves may proceed as follows:
Collect 3ml. of blood in a red-top non-heparinized tube. Spin down, and submit at least 1ml. of serum to the state laboratory at:
New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services
Inborn Errors of Metabolism Laboratory
PO BOX 371
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0371
(609) 292-3090
For hand delivery or express mail:
New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services
Inborn Errors of Metabolism Laboratory
John Fitch Plaza
Market & Warren Streets
Health & Agriculture/Laboratory Building
3rd floor, L-320
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0371
Please include the patient's name, sex, and date of birth, along with the name, address, and phone number of the physician receiving the test results. If additional information is needed, please call the State Newborn Biochemical Screening Program at (609) 292-1582 or the Inborn Errors of Metabolism Laboratory at (609) 292-3090.
Return to Congenital Hypothyroidism /
State Screening Program Contacts /
New Jersey Consultants
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