Newborn Screening: Saving Lives with a Simple Blood Spot

Join us in this vital mission to support the health of infants across the state! The Washington State Department of Health, Office of Newborn Screening (NBS) tests all infants born in Washington for a number of rare but treatable disorders using a dried blood spot specimen. Infants with these disorders usually appear healthy at birth and, without screening, the disorders are not likely to be detected and treated in time to prevent death or severe disability. Newborn screening is one of the most successful public health initiatives in the USA. Babies with these disorders can have serious health problems, but screening and early treatment can help our youngest Washingtonians grow up healthy!

What You Will Do:

As part of our team, you'll play a crucial role in improving infant health by conducting a variety of laboratory tests on newborn blood samples to detect treatable heritable disorders. Your work will be hands-on, processing and testing a high volume of newborn dried blood specimens. You'll operate both complex and routine equipment, including computer software, to analyze test results and ensure accurate readings. From setting up STAT tests to maintaining quality control records and equipment, your attention to detail will be key. Plus, you'll keep things running smoothly by monitoring supplies, preparing reagents, and ensuring quality control materials are in order.

About Washington State Department of Health

Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day. We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by: Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screening Providing health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choices Promoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worship Addressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposure Protecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies

Connections working at Washington State Department of Health