1 Texas Department of Health, 1100 W 49th St, Austin, TX 78756
To the Editor.
The article by La Franchi et al (Pediatrics 1985;76:734-740) regarding newborn screening for hypothyroidism at two time periods in the Northwest Regional Screening Program (NWRSP) confirms the experiences previously reported for Texas.1,2 Since the beginning of our hypothyroid screening program in 1980, a second test at 1 to 4 weeks has been strongly recommended. Since 1983, this specimen has been required on infants screened prior to 36 hours of age or prior to 24 hours of protein intake.