newborn screening programme
Congenital hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is when a person's thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. When a baby is born with an hypothyroidism they have congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) . The most common cause of CHT is a poorly developed or absent thyroid gland. Children with CHT have very good long term outcomes, as long as they receive treatment.
UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in March 2017.
Screening for congenital hypothyroidism has been offered as part of newborn blood spot screening in the UK from 1981, well before the UK NSC formed. In 2015, the UK NSC reviewed whether there was any evidence to alter or stop CHT screening and found nothing to suggest that screening should not continue.
Supporting documents from the 2017 review
UK NSC Pilot Triage congenital hypothyroidism (2015)
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 Congenital hypothyroidism
These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.
List of organisations
- ArchAngel MLD Trust
- British Association of Perinatal Medicine
- British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
- British Thyroid Association
- Faculty of Public Health
- Genetic Alliance UK
- Institute of Child Health
- International Society for Neonatal Screening
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Midwives
- Royal College of Physicians
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
- Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.