newborn screening programme
Cryptorchidism
While in the womb, male babies' testicles develop in their abdomen. Towards the end of pregnancy, the testicles travel down into the scrotum. Both testicles should be in the scrotum by the time the child is one year old. If this is not the case, the testicles are described as being ‘undescended’. This is also known as cryptorchidism.
Read more about undescended testes on the NHS website.
UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in .
Detection of delayed descent of the testicles forms part of the routine physical examination of all newborn baby boys and again at 6-8 weeks.
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:
Next review estimated to be completed: 2021 to 2022.
To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.
Organisations interested in Cryptorchidism
These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.
List of organisations
- British Association of Perinatal Medicine
- Faculty of Public Health
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Midwives
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
- 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.