Scope and efficiency of the newborn screening program in identifying hemoglobin S.

Background: In 2001, the Brazilian Ministry of Health added hemoglobinopathies to the National Neonatal Screening Program to be implemented in three steps. In order to meet the proposed goals, it is crucial to establish periodic assessments of this program with the aim of monitoring its implementation.

Objective: To assess the scope and the efficiency of the stages of the National Newborn Screening Program in identifying hemoglobin S.