Outline of policy for implementation of 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.

Newborn Screening Policy

A policy statement for implementing Newborn Screening is now available. Please click on Policy Statement for an electronic copy.

A copy of the Policy document that went to the UK National Screening Committee in February 2002 can be obtained by clicking on Policy Feb 02.

Implementation

Roll out of the Newborn Programme will begin with London & West Midlands from 2002/3, and be completed by 2004/5. Commissioning will be arranged via the Specialised Commissioning Services (Medical Genetics), as defined in the National Specialised Services Definitions Set.

Relevant documents

The following documents on Newborn Screening are now availble:

• Newborn Laboratory Standards
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Guidance on reporting results
• Newborn Screening Results Algorithms

These documents are available for viewing or printing on the Newborn Section of the Laboratory Policies webpage.