The costs of genomic newborn screening in England: A micro-costing analysis from the Generation Study

This study estimates the total cost per newborn of delivering genomic newborn screening (gNBS) within the Genomics England-led Generation Study.

A time-driven activity-based costing approach was used to estimate gNBS costs from recruitment to confirmatory testing. Resource use data were obtained through document review, semi-structured interviews with study staff, and direct observation across six English National Health Service Trusts. Inputs were categorized as labor, consumables, or equipment, with unit costs sourced from published pay scales, catalogs, or literature. Equipment costs were annualized at a discount rate of 3.5%. All costs were estimated in 2025 Great British Pounds (£) from the healthcare providers perspective, including overheads and data storage. A one-way deterministic sensitivity analysis was conducted, varying key cost parameters (±20%) and testing alternative delivery scenarios.

gNBS costs £1208 per newborn, with sequencing comprising 58% of the total costs, mainly consumables. The cost was reduced by 20% to £963 when excluding research-specific recruitment and consent activities to reflect the delivery of gNBS as part of routine clinical care.

This study provides an estimate of gNBS costs, highlighting sequencing as the main cost driver. Combined with evidence on outcomes and health care utilization, these findings will inform future cost-effectiveness analyses, supporting policy decisions regarding national implementation in England.