newborn screening programme

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SCID

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a term used to describe a group of genetic disorders. These affect the immune system. If not treated it can be fatal due to severe vulnerability to common infections.

UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in December 2017.

Screening is not currently recommended for this condition.

The UK NSC does not recommend screening newborn babies for SCID. This is because it is not known:

  • how many well babies may be told they are ill incorrectly (false positives)
  • the best way to care for babies with low numbers of white cells caused by other conditions
  • how many babies are born into families who are already aware they have SCID
  • how well laboratories will cope with the increase in testing and more ill babies

The UK NSC will review the evidence again following the conclusion of a practical in-service evaluation of screening for SCID in English NHS services.

Supporting documents from the 2017 review

Evidence summary SCID (2017)
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.

SCID economics consultation document 2017
A mathematical method to predict the costs and health effects (or health outcomes) of one intervention compared to another, based on the best available evidence.

Coversheet
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.

Review cycle

Date previous review completed: 2017

Next review estimated to be completed: 2021 to 2022.

To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.

Organisations interested in SCID

These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.

List of organisations

If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.