Laboratory updates

The second edition of the laboratory handbook recommends High performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Iso electric... more »

The second edition of the laboratory handbook recommends High performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Iso electric Focusing (IEF) as suitable methods for newborn screening. The handbook states “Other methods such as tandem mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis may prove suitable for newborn screening in the future.

As a result of the ongoing collaboration with UK NEQAS (Haematology) the Sickle cell and thalassaemia screening... more »

As a result of the ongoing collaboration with UK NEQAS (Haematology) the Sickle cell and thalassaemia screening programme has been notified around issues of poor performance. Some areas identified are listed in this documents.

Version 1.0

April 2012

You can read the Screening Programme's best practice guidelines for those maternity services where laboratories are... more »

You can read the Screening Programme's best practice guidelines for those maternity services where laboratories are requested to analyse newborn liquid capillary blood specimens from known high risk pregnancies.

Currently there are inconsistancies in the 2nd Laboratory Handbook around the antenatal screening guidelines for partner... more »

Currently there are inconsistancies in the 2nd Laboratory Handbook around the antenatal screening guidelines for partner testing of "white British" or North European populations from local high risk areas for alpha thalassaemia, and what is specified in the FOQ categories.  Based on this, the algorithm is unworkable for laboratories, midwives and counsellors.  This document outlines recommendations.

In response to the several requests from antenatal laboratories for national guidance to assist in the creation of local... more »

In response to the several requests from antenatal laboratories for national guidance to assist in the creation of local risk management policy in their laboratories, the Screening Programme has produced this template to consider particular issues when conducting risk assessment.

Genetic screening tests undertaken during pregnancy and the newborn period will always include the possible issue of... more »

Genetic screening tests undertaken during pregnancy and the newborn period will always include the possible issue of non-paternity which needs to be considered when offering screening tests and when inviting the woman's "partner" or "baby's father" for testing.  This document offers advice on this isssue.