Pilot study to double newborn screening

Posted 09/04/2012

Around 700,000 babies in the UK are tested for genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis every year. A further five debilitating conditions will be tested for in this pilot study.

The tests, performed by midwives, involve the baby’s heel being pricked to enable blood to be collected. This is usually done in the first week of life.

The chief medical officer for England, Professor Dame Sally Davies, has commented: “This is a fantastic step forward…. the pilot will identify more babies with serious conditions, giving them the chance to live a long, healthy life”.

Samantha Collins, a medical injury solicitor at Ashtons Legal adds: “This is excellent news. Early detection of these serious conditions at an early stage will give families access to the specialist treatment they need early on and is likely to mean a better quality of life for the child involved”.