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Newborn babies across Scotland will get the new test. (Image: Tatyana Tomsickova Photography via Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe test will determine whether the infant is susceptible to hearing loss.<\/p>\n
07:38, 25 Nov 2025Updated 07:40, 25 Nov 2025<\/p>\n
Newborn babies across Scotland will get the new test. (Image: Tatyana Tomsickova Photography via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Newborn babies across Scotland<\/a> will be given a \u201csimple\u201d genetic test to help prevent deafness<\/a> caused by a common antibiotic, it has been announced. The test can show whether an infant is susceptible to hearing loss as a result of the antibiotic, Gentamicin<\/a>.<\/p>\n Doctors<\/a> often prescribe Gentamicin to babies showing signs of serious infection such as sepsis<\/a> \u2013 and in most cases this is safe and effective, but for a small number who carry a specific genetic variant, the drug can cause permanent hearing loss. The \u201cinnovative\u201d new procedure uses a rapid cheek swab and NHS Scotland<\/a> said it can establish whether a child carries the variant in just 26 minutes, enabling medics to prescribe an equally effective alternative drug.<\/p>\n Health Secretary Neil Gray said: \u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThis 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.\u201d NHS Scotland<\/a> said the test will help make the best use of its resources, by reducing hospital stays, easing pressure on services and avoiding the long-term costs associated with hearing loss.<\/p>\n Piloted and implemented in Manchester, the test has already been successfully introduced in NHS Greater Glasgow<\/a> and Clyde (NHS GGC). It is due to be rolled out across all NHS Scotland health boards with neonatal units over the next 18 months \u2013 which will make NHS Scotland the first health service<\/a> in the UK to introduce the test nationwide.<\/p>\n Dr Helen McDevitt, consultant neonatologist with NHS GGC, said: \u201cNational rollout of this innovative point of care genetic test will prevent deafness in a significant number of susceptible newborn infants each year in Scotland.<\/p>\n \u201cPatient care will be improved immeasurably by enhancing the safety of current antibiotic treatments.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s exciting that Scotland is at the forefront of developing precision medicine from birth onwards.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryan Cooper, point of contact lead in National Services Scotland, said: \u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n