Newborn blood spot screening - update March 2026

Maternity & Gynaecology Guidelines
NHS GGC

The following documents describe the March 2026 changes to the Newborn Blood Spot Screening programme.

Main changes from previous version

  • Information on the In Service Evaluation (ISE) for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) that will be implemented from 23rd March 2026.
  • Healthcare professionals taking newborn bloodspot samples should ensure that parents are aware that SMA has been added to list of conditions screened for on a temporary, in-service evaluation basis
  • The ISE will be for an 18-24 month period

All staff delivering the newborn screening programme should ensure they are aware of a these updated requirements/clarifications on taking samples, the management of repeat samples and the management of “movers in” and cross border babies.

Implementation of Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) as part of an in-service evaluation (ISE)

Newborn Bloodspot Sampling Guidelines March 2026

Newborn bloodspot screening - Service Specification March 2026