Mass screening program for congenital hypothyroidism in south-eastern Poland.

The success of a screening program depends in great measure on effective organization. The purpose of the screening program is the commencement of treatment of selected patients within two weeks of life. In total in our laboratory we have tested 461,479 newborns during 1985-1996. The introduction of bar codes in 1995 (recommended by the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw) improved our work in the laboratory and departments of obstetrics and reduced the possibility of errors. The screening tests for congenital hypothyroidism appear to serve the monitoring of iodine deficiency disorders. The good organization of the screening program is indispensable and needs permanent control.