Changes to the current policy for CHT screening in preterm infants

The purpose of this document is to manage the transition from a CHT preterm policy based on a second test taken when... more »

The purpose of this document is to manage the transition from a CHT preterm policy based on a second test taken when babies reach the equivalent of 36 weeks gestation, to one where babies born at less than 32 weeks (less than or equal to 31+6 days) are offered a second test when the baby reaches 28 days of age (counting date of birth as day 0), or day of discharge home, whichever the sooner.

This A3 poster outlines all newborn blood spot screening tests for babies nursed in hospital specialist units and for... more »

This A3 poster outlines all newborn blood spot screening tests for babies nursed in hospital specialist units and for babies born at less than 32 weeks gestation (equal to or less than 31 weeks and 6 days), who are eligible for the CHT preterm repeat test. 

This algorithm has been developed to support health care professionals in taking the newborn blood spot samples... more »

This algorithm has been developed to support health care professionals in taking the newborn blood spot samples (excluding the revised CHT preterm policy). It describes:

• when to take the samples
• what to write on the blood spot cards
• number of blood spots required
• how to ensure babies who may have a blood transfusion are appropriately tested

This algorithm has been developed to support health care professionals in taking the sample in accordance with the... more »

This algorithm has been developed to support health care professionals in taking the sample in accordance with the revised CHT preterm policy. It describes:

• who the eligible babies are
• what to write on the blood spot card
• number of blood spots required
• the day 5 routine sample and actions following CHT suspected, not suspected and borderline results
• the 28 day CHT preterm sample

This algorithm has been developed to support staff in child health records departments to accurately record results for... more »

This algorithm has been developed to support staff in child health records departments to accurately record results for the revised CHT preterm policy and to update their reports to identify untested babies and those in whom screening for CHT is incomplete.

The revised policy affects babies born at less than 32 weeks gestation (equal to or less than 31 weeks and 6 days). The second test is taken at 28 days (counting date of birth as day 0), or on discharge home from hospital whichever the sooner.

Under the new policy babies eligible for a CHT preterm second test should complete their newborn blood spot tests before they are discharged home from hospital and should have a conclusive result recorded on the child health information system by 40 days of age.