[Screening for neonatal hypothyroidism? Results of an international questionnaire study (author's transl)].

Questionnaires were sent to 23 centres in ten countries. Results indicate that, for ethical, scientific, clinical and socio-economic reasons, screening for neonatal hypothyroidism should be undertaken. Pilot studies are no longer required. Distribution of the birth-rate in the various lands of the German Federal Republic suggest that, assuming appropriate technical and staffing provision, ten centres with a sample rate of 200/day would be sufficient for full screening. Because of special features in quality control of radioimmunochemical methods, a uniform manner of setting up the necessary laboratories is essential.