Newborns to be screened for two more conditions as part of 'heel prick' test this year

"Newborns will be screened for two more serious conditions as part of the heel prick test this year. The screening will be expanded to include Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), an inherited disorder, which prevents babies from fighting infections and also Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) which causes worsening muscle weakness."

Newborn screening services are being expanded to detect two additional serious genetic conditions through the standard heel prick test. Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) is an inherited disorder that severely compromises a baby's immune system, preventing them from effectively fighting infections. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness. The necessary equipment for conducting these tests has been purchased, delivered, and successfully installed at the newborn screening laboratory, enabling roll-out testing to commence this year.

Read at Independent