A “simple” genetic test for newborns that will help to prevent deafness caused by a common antibiotic is to be rolled out across Scotland.
Doctors often prescribe Gentamicin to babies showing signs of serious infection including sepsis, and in most cases this is found to be safe and effective.
But, for a small number of infants who carry a specific genetic variant, the antibiotic can cause permanent hearing loss.
The new procedure set to be rolled out uses a rapid cheek swab which can establish whether a child carries the variant in just 26 minutes, enabling their clinician to prescribe an equally effective alternative drug.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This test will have a life-changing impact on newborn babies in Scotland as we roll it out across the country through our accelerated national innovation adoption pathway, resulting in improved health outcomes and a better quality of life.
“This exceptional programme demonstrates the transformative potential of scientific and technological innovation, and our commitment to delivering the ambitions set out in our Programme for Government and the NHS Scotland operational improvement plan.”
It is hoped the test will help to reduce potential hospital stays, ease pressure on NHS services, and avoid the long-term costs associated with hearing loss.
The test was piloted and implemented in Manchester and has now been successfully introduced by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).
It is due to be rolled out across all Scottish health boards with neonatal units over the next 18 months – which will make NHS Scotland the first health service in the UK to introduce the test nationwide.
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Ryan Cooper, point of contact lead at National Services Scotland, said: “This simple and gentle test gives us the ability to protect babies from avoidable harm and hearing loss right from the very start of their lives.
“This aims to not only safeguard their quality of life but give their families and loved ones peace of mind.
“By identifying those at risk within minutes of birth, we can make safer treatment choices and give every child the best chance to grow, learn and thrive without the challenges that hearing loss can bring.”
