Newborn screening in the 1980s-the automation of follow-up

摘要

The Genetic Diseases Program of the Illinois Department of Public Health has completed the requirements for automation of its newborn screening follow-up services. The integration of two databases containing laboratory and follow-up elements allows the system to: (1) process online information about both normal and abnormal results on every baby screened in Illinois; (2) recall data previously entered and add follow-up criteria; (3) generate form letters; (4) track treatment and developmental progress of confirmed clients; (5) maintain permanent demographic registries; (6) transfer records to microfiche; and (7) generated reports for statistical analysis. Each of these capabilities is described, and it is demonstrated how automation has enhanced the follow-up component of newborn screening.