In this section
The processing and reporting of results for all blood spot screening tests is carried out using a dedicated Screening IT system (Perkin Elmer).
A summary “district report”, in a PDF format, is generated and e-mailed on each working day (where possible) to the individual Child Health Departments. Individual PDF reports are also emailed to Child Health. The majority of repeat request letters are sent to maternity departments and copied into Child Health Departments. Exceptions to this include CHT repeat requests for premature babies (sent to ward), repeat requests following inconclusive CF results (email and telephone call to Screening Link Health Visitor).
In addition to the above processes, the majority of our Child Health Departments now receive results electronically, directly into their Child Health Information system. This occurs the following day after the emailed PDF. We also report all results to the Newborn Blood Spot Failsafe Solution.
Occasionally, we may be unable to report any results on a particular day due to an analytical problem with one of the tests, IT issues or a large number of samples being received on a particular day, for example following a bank holiday. If this is the case, we inform Child Health by email. If results are delayed by more than two working days, the regional Screening Quality Assurance team and the Newborn Blood Spot Failsafe helpdesk will also be informed. The nature of the problem will be explained and when it is likely to be resolved. We will implement our contingency plan where required, to ensure timely reporting of screening results.
(Last reviewed June 2023)