NHS England funded programme for blood group genotyping of Haemoglobinopathy patients

We have extended the blood group genotyping programme and will now accept samples for NHS England patients free of charge until 31 March 2026. 

To accept and test as many patient samples as possible, we have changed the acceptance criteria for the request form (FRM7257) and the labelling of samples. While we will continue to ensure that the integrity of patient and sample identity are maintained, some criteria have been changed.

We are reviewing samples and forms that were previously rejected and will perform testing on these if they now meet the updated labelling criteria.

For future patient referrals, the essential acceptance criteria is:

• the form and the sample have three matching identifications
• the consent box on the form is ticked to indicate the patient has consented to testing as part of the NHS England and NHSBT Sickle Cell, Thalassemia and rare anaemia blood group genotyping programme
• the date the sample is taken is on either the form or the sample
• the sample is signed 

For more information about the programme visit the blood group genotyping webpage.  

Kate Downes - Genomics Programme Director