antenatal screening programme

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Parvovirus

Parvovirus B19 is a common infection, which usually infects school age children. Symptoms tend to be flu-like with a rash of the cheeks- which may spread elsewhere. About 20-30% of cases do not present any symptoms.

Read more about Parvovirus B19 on the NHS website.

UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in August 2019.

Screening is not currently recommended for this condition.

Screening women for parvovirus B19 infection is not recommended. This is because:

  • more research is needed to know how many people have the disease
  • more research needs to be done on the best wat to test for the condition
  • there are currently no ways to treat or the disease or prevent the baby from being infected

Advice on the testing and management of pregnant women exposed to the virus is provided by:

Supporting documents from the 2019 review

Evidence map Pavrovirus (2019)
This document investigates whether a more detailed review can be conducted based on the available evidence.

UK NSC coversheet & consultation responses Parvovirus (2019)
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.

Review cycle

Date previous review completed: 2019

Next review estimated to be completed: 2022 to 2023.

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

Organisations interested in Parvovirus

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

List of organisations

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