Data: ‘Initial Clinical Referral Standards after Newborn Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism: Final Report of the UK Newborn Screening Programme Centre Expert Working Group and Systematic Evidence Review 2010-2011’.

Abstract

The multidisciplinary Expert Working Group was tasked with revising the existing standards of the UK NHS National Screening Programme for diagnosis and management of babies in whom congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) is suspected after newborn bloodspot screening. This report includes a systematic evidence review and account of the proceedings of the working group in key areas: screening test performance, referral pathways, diagnostic investigations, treatment and communication with parents. After public consultation, the recommendations were adopted as policy. This final report provides an evidence base for reviewing newborn screening for CHT in other populations and outlines a transparent consensus-based process for agreeing changes to screening standards and policy.