NHS Sickle Cell and Thalasaemia Screening Programme Standards, Second Edition, 2011
Standard number | Objective | Acceptable Standard | Achievable Standard |
NO1 | Babies detected with sickle cell disease should have the best possible survival as assessed by mortality rate in children<5 years. | Four per 1000 person-years of life or 2 deaths per 100 affected babies. | Two per 1000 person-years of life or 1 death per 100 affected babies. |
NO2i | Identify babies with disease with specified sensitivity and offer early intervention if required. | 99% detection rate for Hb SS, 98% for Hb SC and 95% for other conditions. | 99.5% detection rate for Hb SS, 99% for Hb SC and 98% for other conditions. |
NO2ii | Coverage of screening test (tested/eligible) | 95% of babies eligible for sickle cell screening receive a conclusive bloodspot screening test. | 99% of babies eligible for sickle cell screening receive a conclusive bloodspot screening test. |
NP4 | All registered screen-positive babies are followed up and entered in care with a specialist/local centre. | 90% seen by a specialist/local centre by 3 months of age; 95% reviewed annually by a specialist centre. | 95% seen by a specialist/local centre by 3 months of age; 98% reviewed annually by a specialist centre. |
NP6i | Ensure prophylactic treatment is offered and prescribed to screen-positive babies in a timely manner; offer parental education. | 90% offered and prescribed Penicillin V or alternative by 3 months of age. | 99% offered & prescribed Penicillin V or alternative by 6 months of age. |