Education, consent, and counseling in sickle cell screening programs: report of a survey.

In 1980, we surveyed screening facilities to determine the extent of sickle cell screening and to assess compliance with Maryland regulations. Approximately 52,000 persons were screened per year in Maryland by local health departments, hospitals, primary care centers, correctional facilities, and units dedicated entirely to screening. Thirteen thousand persons were screened without informed consent. Many facilities were deficient in providing education and counseling as well as in obtaining informed consent. Units dedicated entirely to screening were most compliant with the state regulations.