NHS Sickle cell and Thalassaemia screening coverage (ST1)

The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia (SCT) Screening Programme aims to identify carriers of sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, as well as individuals affected by these conditions. 

Rationale

The rationale for the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia (SCT) Screening Programme is to identify carriers and individuals affected by these inherited blood disorders early in pregnancy. Early detection allows for informed decision-making by prospective parents and ensures timely medical intervention. Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia can lead to severe health complications, including chronic pain, anemia, and increased risk of infections. By screening pregnant women and, if necessary, their partners, the programme aims to provide crucial information about the risk of passing these conditions to their offspring. This proactive approach helps manage and mitigate potential health issues, improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Definition of numerator

The number of pregnant women who have been screened for sickle cell and thalassaemia.

Definition of denominator

The total number of pregnant women who are eligible for screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia.

Caveats

• Eligibility Criteria: The data only includes pregnant women who meet specific eligibility criteria for screening.
• Exclusions: Certain groups may be excluded from the data, such as women who miscarry, opt for termination, or transfer out before testing.
• Informed Choice: The data includes women who decline the screening after being offered, which can impact the overall coverage rates.
• Technical Limitations: There may be instances where it is not technically possible to perform the screening, leading to exclusions from the data.
• Service Capacity: The capacity of healthcare providers to accommodate all eligible women can affect the data, especially if there are resource constraints.
• Data Accuracy: The accuracy of the data depends on the completeness and correctness of the information recorded by healthcare providers.