Newborn screening in the 80's--the automation of follow-up.

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 on-line 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) generate reports for statistical analysis. The intent of this paper is to describe each of the above capabilities and demonstrate how automation has enhanced the follow-up component of newborn screening.