Settlement in case over newborn blood samples

Published 10:07 am Tuesday, January 14, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Department of Health has started destroying more than 1 million blood samples collected as part of its newborn screening program, following the settlement of a yearslong case over the state’s practice of storing and using the samples without parental consent.

Per the settlement announced Monday, the state is also paying $975,000 in attorneys’ fees for 21 families who claimed the Health Department acted illegally.

The Health Department said the newborn screening program will continue under new laws that limit the length of time blood samples and test results can be stored unless parents give written, informed consent.

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