Sample storage

All blood spot cards received are stored for eighteen years in a secured storage area. Patient details are on the same filter paper card as the blood sample.

The NSW Newborn Screening Programme complies with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act. This includes requirements for secure storage of information and limited disclosure. Parents have the right to access information associated with the screening process. No person can access the storage area and remove a child's card without the written consent of both parents of the child and authorisation from the Clinical Director or Principal Scientist in Charge.

Reasons for storage are discussed in full in the Storage of samples fact sheet.