Infectious Disease Screening Progams
The Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) Infectious Disease Screening and Tracking Program began in 1988. This program strives to ensure that all infants born to mothers who test positive for certain infectious diseases receive the appropriate medical care needed to prevent illness. Using computerized tracking systems the nurse coordinators are informed of positive prenatal test results and will monitor the woman's prenatal care until delivery. The program then follows the care of the newborn infant to make sure the baby receives the necessary treatment. With proper treatment during pregnancy and delivery, the chance for transmission of these diseases from the mother to the baby is significantly reduced.
The Infectious Disease Screening and Tracking Program maintains strict confidentiality for all members followed in these programs.
Hepatitis B screening program
The Hepatitis B screening program identifies pregnant women with positive hepatitis B test results. This program makes counseling, educational support, and treatment plans available during pregnancy. With appropriate treatment, the hepatitis B transmission rate from mother to baby is less than one percent.
Syphilis Screening Program
The Syphilis screening program identifies pregnant women who have an active syphilis infection that needs treatment. Transmission of syphilis to the baby can be prevented if the mother is adequately treated early in pregnancy.