Table 2

Sample quality screening criteria

Parameter of sample quality	Quality	Action for analysis
Acceptable	Satisfactory	Include
Blood spot collection paper expired	Unsatisfactory	Exclude
Blood spots appear clotted or layered	Unsatisfactory	Exclude
Blood spots appear diluted	Unsatisfactory	Exclude
Blood spots appear scratched or abraded	Unsatisfactory	Exclude
Blood spots appear damaged	Unsatisfactory	Exclude
Blood spots are supersaturated	Unsatisfactory	Exclude
Blood spots are wet/discoloured	Unsatisfactory	Exclude
Blood spots exhibit serum rings	Unsatisfactory	Exclude
Quantity of blood insufficient	Unsatisfactory	Review decision*

↵*If sample quality is unsatisfactory due to insufficient quantity of blood, the sample will be reviewed at time of receipt and, at the discretion of Newborn Screening Ontario study staff, will be excluded or undergo partial analysis.