SEMEDLAB promotes standardized prenatal screening in Spain

The Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEMEDLAB) has emphasized the critical role of clinical laboratories in implementing a population-wide prenatal screening program for chromosomal anomalies within the Spanish National Health System (SNS).

A consensus document, developed by the Working Group for the Chromosomal Anomaly Prenatal Screening Program and approved by the Public Health Commission in June 2026, establishes standardized requirements for the program. These guidelines cover various stages, including organization, target population identification, informed consent, test interpretation, diagnostic confirmation, genetic counseling, and continuous evaluation.

The primary objective is to unify and standardize prenatal screening across different healthcare centers and autonomous communities to ensure equitable and homogeneous access for all pregnant women, regardless of their place of residence. The framework aims to guarantee the quality of ultrasound, biochemical, and genetic processes while ensuring clear assistance circuits for managing results and informed decision-making.