Overview
Open call is part of the first stage of the NBS decision-making pathway. The process is one of several ways governments will identify conditions for consideration, through this initial, pre-assessment stage.
Open call allows NBS programs to be further informed by the experience of families, consumers, clinicians and other experts.
During the pre-assessment stage, we also review emerging scientific and clinical evidence and international NBS programs to consider conditions which may not be identified through open call.
This video describes the open call.
Timing of the open call
The open call launched on 14 October 2025 and closed on 14 January 2026.
Next steps for conditions identified through open call
After the open call ends, we will gather and analyse the best available Australian and international evidence on each condition submitted. This includes research on the condition, interventions and treatments, screening tests and any other issues relevant to the consideration of the condition. This evidence will support further consideration of the condition.
How conditions will be considered
All Australian governments will work together to make decisions on conditions identified through open call and our horizon scanning process. This will occur in line with NBS National Policy Framework decision-making criteria, and through the decision-making pathway.
Outcomes from the open call
Outcomes from the pre-assessment process, including open call, are now available.
The fact sheet summarises the outcomes for conditions identified through the open call and horizon scanning process, including decisions on progression to technical advice.
Conditions that progress to technical advice will then move through the steps in the decision-making pathway. From the point a condition is identified for technical advice, a decision on whether to include it in NBS programs is expected within 2 years, depending on the complexity of the condition. Implementation follows a decision to screen for a condition.
For updates on conditions as they progress through the decision-making pathway, you can subscribe to our email service.
Subscribe to newborn bloodspot screening updates.
Questions
If you have questions about the open call, you can email NBS@health.gov.au.
Resources
Newborn bloodspot screening improves the health of babies and saves lives by identifying those at risk of developing a serious condition.
It's free and offered to all families with newborns.
It means that within a few days of being born, we can identify babies at risk and provide treatment and support.
Screening is delivered by states and territories in local hospitals and health services.
The Australian Government is working with states and territories to consider additional conditions for screening.
Before a condition is added, it must be assessed to ensure that we can test accurately and offer treatment.
There is a nationally agreed decision-making pathway and newborn bloodspot screening criteria.
Open call is part of the first step in identifying conditions for consideration.
Open call is a new and simple process that means the conditions screened are informed by evidence and the experiences of families and other experts like you.
The open call will open for three months.
Here's how it works.
Anyone can identify a new condition for consideration by submitting the open call form.
Conditions need to meet the criteria.
For example, they should be a serious health problem that can be detected soon after birth from testing a dried blood spot sample and have an accepted intervention or treatment.
The government will collect technical and scientific information for all proposed conditions.
You don't need to do the research yourself or include it in your form.
Conditions with enough alignment to the criteria will move to the next stage in the decision-making pathway.
Where there is a low alignment with the criteria, the condition will not proceed for further consideration.
It can be considered in future when new information is available.
This careful assessment of the latest evidence is critical to maintain high quality and safe screening.
For more information about newborn bloodspot screening, the conditions already screened, or the open call, please visit our website.