States West Virginia
Conditions Screened
West Virginia currently screens for 39 conditions
The West Virginia Program
Each state runs its program differently, for more detailed information please visit their website here.
Download Brochure
The state of West Virgina does not have a brochure available. You can find more state specific information at their website.
What Conditions are Screened For in West Virginia?
Amino Acid Disorders
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Argininemia (ARG)
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Citrullinemia, Type I (CIT)
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Classic Phenylketonuria (PKU)
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Homocystinuria (HCY)
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Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
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Tyrosinemia, Type I (TYR I)
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Tyrosinemia, Type II (TYR II)
Endocrine Disorders
Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders
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Carnitine Uptake Defect (CUD)
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Glutaric Acidemia, Type II (GA-2)
Hemoglobin Disorders
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Hemoglobinopathies (Var Hb)
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S, Beta-Thalassemia (Hb S/ßTh)
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S, C Disease (Hb S/C)
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Sickle Cell Anemia (Hb SS)
Organic Acid Conditions
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Glutaric Acidemia, Type I (GA-1)
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Isobutyrylglycinuria (IBG)
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Isovaleric Acidemia (IVA)
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Propionic Acidemia (PROP)
Other Disorders
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Biotinidase Deficiency (BIOT)
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Classic Galactosemia (GALT)
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Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
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Hearing loss (HEAR)
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Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Search Educational Resources
Looking for resources? Check out our Newborn Screening Education and Training Resource Center.
About Newborn Screening in West Virginia
Program Overview:
To help protect newborn infants from intellectual disability and other severe health problems, West Virginia state law requires that all infants be screened for certain conditions that when detected and treated early can prevent the harmful and developmental effects of those diseases. Prior to leaving the hospital (or after a home birth) babies will receive screening for the newborn condition. The test requires a few drops of blood obtained from a heel stick.
The tests done in the hospital (or with the home birth kit) are "screening" tests only. If a baby needs repeat testing, it is important that the baby return to the hospital, doctor, or clinic right away. Since getting your child on a treatment plan as soon as possible can greatly improve their chances at living a full, healthy life, it is necessary that your doctor have a current phone number and address by which to reach you if your child needs to come back in for further tests. Retesting may need to be done only because the initial test results were questionable. This does not automatically mean the child has a metabolic disorder.
Before leaving the hospital or birth center, parents are asked for the name and address of the doctor or clinic that will be caring for the baby. That doctor or clinic will receive a report of the baby's test results. Parents are encouraged to be their child’s best advocate and check with the child’s doctor to find out the results and ask whether a repeat test is needed.
How is Newborn Screening Paid for in West Virginia?
The fee for screening is $78.98.
Policies and Resources
Opt-Out:
All newborns must participate in newborn screening. There is no opt-out option for newborn screening in West Virginia.
Support for families:
One of the concerns some families may have when they find out their child has a condition detected through the newborn screening program is the increase in health care cost. Fortunately, West Virginia has programs which have been put in place to make treatment of these conditions more affordable for families who are looking to provide the best care to their loved ones.
State nursing personnel within the Maternal Child and Family Health Department provide follow-up in collaboration with the child’s primary care physician. Children with inborn metabolic errors receive consultation through the West Virginia University Department of Pediatrics-Genetics Program, supported by Title V, a federal funding program.
Approximately 93% of the West Virginia’s children are insured. However, for those without insurance, the state government will assist. Assistance with referrals for treatment of those with metabolic conditions is offered by the state in cooperation with other state agencies to children who would benefit from their services.
Also, the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Program, in the Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health (OMCFH), advances the health and well-being of children and youth with certain chronic, debilitating conditions by providing specialized medical care and care coordination services to children under 21 years of age who meet financial and medical eligibility criteria. If you are interested in more information, their program booklet is very informative. To apply, you must fill out an application.
Storage and Use of Dried Blood Spots:
After your newborn’s blood has been screened, there will remain some leftover blood that is called a “residual dried blood spot”. The residual dried blood spot retention rate in West Virginia is 3 months. With the exception of anonymous statistical data, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources may not disclose information obtained from a newborn screening specimen or the parent or guardian of an infant.
To see a copy of the blood spot card used in West Virginia click here.
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