LMC responsibilities include:

• providing appropriate information and education about screening
• offering screening
• ensuring screening is performed
• ensuring any follow-up requested by the screening programme is completed.
  

Key messages

• The success of the NMSP depends on the diligence and dedication of many health professionals, and Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs) in particular. Their input is integral to the continuation of a high-quality screening programme.
• Many of the disorders the NMSP screens for can lead to serious illness or mortality within seven to ten days. Samples must be taken at 48 hours after birth or as soon as possible after this to prevent irreversible damage and life-threatening illnesses.
• LMCs are responsible for the newborn metabolic screening process, including giving information and advice, offering screening, ensuring informed consent, documenting the process, taking a suitable sample and following up results.
• Appropriate information about the NMSP must be given to parents/guardians during pregnancy.
• Clear documentation of the screening process must be kept, including consents, declines, and sample information.
• Samples must be taken at 48 hours after birth or as soon as possible after this.
• Samples must be suitable for testing.
• Samples must be sent to the laboratory as soon as they are dry.
• Requests for repeat samples must be acted on urgently.
• If there are clinical concerns about a baby, the baby must be referred to diagnostic and treatment services without waiting for screening results.
• LMCs must reconcile laboratory reports with samples they have sent for testing, and clarify any discrepancies with the laboratory.
• If a baby receives a positive screening result, LMCs must take further action, according to the advice of laboratory staff.
• Parents/guardians can request that residual blood spots be returned after screening.