1. (a) The physician or nonphysician attending the newborn has the primary responsibility for causing the screening tests to be performed according to these sections and that a satisfactory blood specimen is submitted to the department on a properly completed filter paper collection form obtained from the department.
2. (b) A peripheral blood specimen shall be collected by absorbing onto target circles on a filter paper collection form. Other body fluids, or blood from the placenta, umbilical cord, or mother are not acceptable.
3. (c) Specimens must air-dry on a flat surface for at least three to four hours and must be mailed to the department within 24 hours after collection. If multiple specimens are mailed in one envelope, care must be taken to avoid cross-contamination.

Source Note:The provisions of this §37.55 adopted to be effective February 2, 1989, 13 TexReg 6268; amended to be effective December 17, 2002, 27 TexReg 11744.