National Services Division Commissioning for Scotland's Health
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National Screening Programmes

Screening programmes are designed to detect early signs of disease in the population and then to provide a reliable method of referral for diagnostic testing and further treatment.

In order for a screening programme to be considered for national designation, it must be acceptably accurate and designed to test for a disease where earlier detection and intervention would be of benefit to the patient.

Screening policy is set by the Scottish Government Health Directorates on the advice of the UK National Screening Committee and other appropriate bodies. NSD helps to ensure consistent, effective, coordinated national screening programmes for the people of Scotland.

NSD currently either commission or co-ordinates important elements of seven national screening programmes. Further information on each programme by following the links below:

List of national screening programmes
List of National Screening Programmes
Scottish Bowel Screening Programme
Breast Screening
Cervical Screening
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
Newborn Blood Spot Screening
Pregnancy Screening
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening