New genetic test aims to prevent hearing loss for babies in Scotland
NHS Scotland is the first in the UK to introduce nationwide genetic testing for newborns with suspected infections, to help prevent hearing loss caused by a common antibiotic.
When babies show signs of serious infection, such as sepsis, doctors often prescribe an antibiotic called Gentamicin. For most babies, this is safe and effective. However, for a small number who carry a specific genetic variant, Gentamicin can cause permanent hearing loss.
This groundbreaking programme delivers a new Point-Of-Care Test, using a rapid cheek swab, to find out if a child carries this variant in just 26 minutes, enabling their clinician to prescribe an equally effective alternative drug.
This ensures that clinicians are prescribing treatment in a safe and effective way.
The introduction of this test will support the best use of NHS resources by reducing hospital stays, easing pressure on services, and avoiding the long term costs associated with hearing loss.
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.”
Dr Helen McDevitt, Clinical Lead for neonatal pharmacogenomics programme at CfSD and Consultant Neonatologist with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “National roll out of this innovative point of care genetic test will prevent deafness in a significant number of susceptible newborn infants each year in Scotland.
“Patient care will be improved immeasurably by enhancing the safety of current antibiotic treatments.
“It's exciting that Scotland is at the forefront of developing precision medicine from birth onwards.”
The programme is being delivered through the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway, led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) at NHS Golden Jubilee, in partnership with the Scottish Government and other national boards. Starting in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde from October 2025, with a phased rollout to all NHS Scotland Health Boards with neonatal units over the coming months.
Ryan Cooper, Point of Care Testing Lead in 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 one's 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.”
Piloted and implemented in Manchester, this is the first national rollout of its kind in the UK and represents a major step forward in precision medicine.
