antenatal screening programme

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Sickle cell and thalassaemia

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.

ß Thalassaemia is also a inherited condition which causes progressive anaemia. It is common in the Mediterranean, Asian, South East Asian and Middle Eastern countries. It can be life threatening.

Read more about sickle cell and thalassaemia on the NHS website.

UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in December 2006.

Screening for this condition is recommended.

From April 2005, enhanced laboratory screening should be offered to all women in units defined as high prevalence. High prevalence is defined as a fetal prevalence of sickle cell disorder greater than 1.5 per 10,000 pregnancies.

Supporting documents from the 2006 review

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.

Find out more about screening programmes across the UK.

Review cycle

Date previous review completed: 2006

Next review estimated to be completed: 2021 to 2022.

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

Organisations interested in Sickle cell and thalassaemia

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

List of organisations

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