newborn screening programme

Sickle cell disease (newborn)

Sickle Cell disorders are a group of genetic conditions. In these disorders some red blood cells are sickle shaped which causes them to clump together. These clumps can then get stuck in the small blood vessels. This can then cause an inflammatory reaction.

» Read more about sickle cell and thalassaemia on NHS UK

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

Screening for this condition is recommended.

The UK NSC recommends screening for SCD. In 2015, the UK NSC reviewed whether there was any evidence to alter or stop SCD screening and found nothing to suggest that screening should not continue.

Supporting documents from the 2017 review

NSC Pilot Triage SCD
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.

Screening around the UK

The UK NSC recommends screening for this condition, however this may vary slightly depending on where you are in the UK.

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 Sickle cell disease (newborn)

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.