The NHS Antenatal and Newborn (ANNB) Screening Programme is a national screening programme that offers a series of tests during pregnancy and shortly after birth to identify babies and mothers who may be at increased risk of certain conditions. The programme aims to support informed choice, early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Antenatal (Pregnancy) Screening
Screening offered during pregnancy includes:
Infectious diseases screening:
- Hepatitis B
- HIV
- Syphilis
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia screening
Screening for chromosomal conditions:
- Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edwards’ syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13)
Ultrasound scans:
- 12-week dating scan
- 20-week screening scan (fetal anomaly scan) to identify certain structural abnormalities
Newborn Screening
After birth, babies are offered:
- Newborn Blood Spot Screening (“heel prick” test)
- Newborn Hearing Screening
- Newborn Physical Examination (NIPE) within 72 hours of birth and again at 6–8 weeks
These tests screen for conditions such as:
- Sickle cell disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Inherited metabolic disorders
- Hearing impairment
- Congenital cataracts, heart defects and developmental dysplasia of the hip
Further Information