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Details
The newborn blood spot screening failsafe solution (NBSFS) is an IT system that minimises the risk of babies missing, or having delayed, newborn blood spot (NBS) screening.
This user guide includes:
processes between England and Wales and Scotland
forms, for example to request a new user or query a record
operational level agreements
quick reference guide
training guides
Updates to this page
Last updated:
11 September 2026
Show all updates
Added section 1.17 on Managing Private Care Newborn Records on NBSFS to the NBSFS operational level agreements for maternity users guidance.
Updated NBSFS new user request form
Removed QA references in Section 1.16 of the Maternity Operating Level Agreement. Clarified this guidance applies to England.
Added an extra attachment about 'what to do if the newborn bloodspot failsafe solution is unavailable'
NBSFS user guide updated, including new flowchart illustration of NBSFS process in accessible format.
Removed sections on failsafe processes between Wales and England and failsafe processes between Scotland and England, as this information is now available within the failsafe IT system.
Update to section 1.4 of the operational level agreements for maternity users.
Added new HTML attachment on the process for trust mergers on the NBSFS.
Added new section in the operational levels agreements for maternity users (section 1.16 - weekly reports for maternity).
Added OLA A3b section to 'NBSFS operational levels agreements for maternity users' and OLA B2b section to 'NBSFS operational level agreements for child health record department users' on confirming deceased status after sample has been received and processed by laboratory.
Added a new section (1.19) in 'NBSFS operational level agreements for laboratory users'.
Removed 3 training guides: cross-border access authorisation form, NBSFS site guide and quick reference guide. Updated ‘NBS failsafe processes between Wales and England’.
Updated user guide, failsafe processes between Wales and England, automated notes, feedback form and record query form to reflect changes introduced following an upgrade to the system.