Clinical Summary of Recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Newborns

This document is a summary of the 2007 update of recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on screening of newborns for sickle cell disease. For a summary of the evidence systematically reviewed in making these recommendations, the full recommendation statement (PDF File, 75 KB; PDF Help), and supporting documents, go to http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov.

Select for copyright information.

Population All Newborns
Recommendation Screen for Sickle Cell Disease
Grade: A
Screening Tests

Screening for sickle cell disease in newborns is mandated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
In most states, one of these tests is used for the initial screening:

  • Thin-layer isoelectric focusing (IEF).
  • High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Both IEF and HPLC have extremely high sensitivity and specificity for sickle cell anemia.
Timing of Screening All newborns should undergo screening regardless of birth setting.
Birth attendants should make arrangements for samples to be obtained.
The first clinician to see the infant at an office visit should verify screening results.
Confirmatory testing should occur no later than 2 months of age.
Treatment

Infants with sickle cell anemia should receive:

  • Prophylactic penicillin starting by age 2 months.
  • Pneumococcal immunizations at recommended intervals.
Other Relevant Recommendations from the USPSTF Additional USPSTF recommendations regarding screening tests for newborns can be accessed at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/cps3dix.htm#pediatric.

Copyright Information

This document is in the public domain within the United States. For information on reprinting, contact Randie Siegel, Director, Division of Printing and Electronic Publishing, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850.

Requests for linking or to incorporate content in electronic resources should be sent to: info@ahrq.gov.

Return to Top

AHRQ Publication No. 07-05104-EF-3
Current as of September 2007

Internet Citation:

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Newborns: Clinical Summary. September 2007. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf07/sicklecell/sicklesum.htm

USPSTF Topic Index
USPSTF Clinical Categories
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Clinical Information
AHRQ Home Page