Major NHS trial will see infant DNA tested at birth in attempt to detect inherited diseases

The NHS is conducting a new scheme whereby infant DNA will be tested at birth to protect them from genetic diseases.

One in every 260 babies currently born in the UK, over 2,500 annually, develop a serious illness which could be treated before they reach the age of five. It is believed that by collecting and screening the DNA of newborns, evidence of these conditions can be spotted early on and thus prevent them from developing.

Even in the event that the illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis or epilepsy, are not curable, commencing treatment in infancy could improve the quality of the patients’ lives in the long term.

Infants are currently offered the heel prick test, which is able to detect nine diseases. The new test, which could pick up significantly more, will be introduced within the next three years if the trial is a success.

Chris Wigley, chief executive of Genomics England, said “There are 3,000 people a year whose lives we could transform. That’s just in early onset cases. Some may 25 years later develop another problem.

“We can use the same data to assess them. The benefits can play out over the course of someone’s life.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 738