Our Laboratory provides the neonatal screening service for all births in West and East Yorkshire, Hull and North Yorkshire (except Hambleton / Richmondshire) and any babies being cared for within acute hospitals in the region.
We screen approximately 45,000 babies each year using dedicated equipment and IT systems.
We currently screen for the following conditions:
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Cystic Fibrosis
Sickle Cell Disease
And six rare inherited metabolic disorders:
Glutaric Aciduria type 1 (GA1)
Homocystinuria (HCU)
Isovaleric Acidaemia (IVA)
Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrongenase deficiency (MCADD)
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
The laboratory is well supported by expert paediatricians and neonatologists in our regional hospitals and, for the rare inherited metabolic disorders, care and advice are provided by a team of specialist paediatricians based in the Willink unit at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Further information for parents on the tests in the newborn screening panel and the whole newborn screening process can be found on the NHS newborn screening website.
The newborn screening laboratory is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. There is no formal commitment to provide an analytical service outside opening hours.
We are located at St James’s University Hospital site, Block 46, Chancellor Wing.
Newborn Screening Laboratory
Specialist Laboratory Medicine
Block 46
ST James University Hospital
Leeds LS9 7TF
Key Contacts
Neonatal Screening Enquiry Service
0113 206 5806
[email protected]

Consultant Clinical Scientists / Director of Screening Laboratory
Mr Robert Barski
0113 206 6861
[email protected]

Consultant Haematologist
Dr Michael Richards
0113 392 8776
[email protected]
Operational Lead for Specialist Services
Lisa Farrar
0113 206 5806
[email protected]
Principal Clinical Scientist
Caroline Griffith
0113 206 5087
[email protected]
Useful links and further information
Further information on each of the conditions can be found on these links:
GA1 (glutaric aciduria type 1)
HCU (homocystinuria)
IVA (isovaleric acidaemia)
MCADD (medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency)
MSUD (maple syrup urine disease)
PKU (phenylketonuria)
Helpful links for professionals:
Sampling guidelines and bloodspot requirements