Outline of policy for implementation of the programme

Newborn screening:

The policy for newborn screening in England is for the phased implementation of a programme which will allow the offer of sickle cell screening to all infants as an integral part of the newborn bloodspot screening programme.

Antenatal screening:

The policy for antenatal screening in England is for the phased implementation of a programme which will allow the offer of sickle cell and thalassaemia screening to all women as an integral part of early antenatal care.

Thalassaemia screening using routine blood indices will be offered to all women in England.

The form of screening for haemoglobin variants will depend on the prevalence of the condition. Universal laboratory screening is to be offered in those trusts identified as covering high prevalence populations by end of 2004/5. All other areas will be required to offer, as a minimum, laboratory testing for variants based on an assessment of risk determined by a question to women about their ethnic origin by end of 2005/6.

General statement:

The commitment made is for a linked newborn and antenatal programme and all policy should reflect this and work to ensure that the users of the service experience the programme as one service and not as separate disjointed services delivered by different professionals and different organisations.