World-first bedside genetic test to prevent baby deafness

A world-first genetic test that could save the hearing of hundreds of babies each year has been developed and successfully piloted in the NHS.

People admitted to intensive care are usually given an antibiotic called Gentamicin within 60 minutes. While Gentamicin is used to safely treat about 100,000 babies a year, one in 500 babies carry the gene that can make it cause permanent hearing loss.

The bedside machine, developed in Manchester, identifies whether a critically ill baby admitted to intensive care has a gene that could result in permanent hearing loss if they are treated with a common emergency antibiotic.

The new swab test technique, which takes only 25 minutes, would replace a test that traditionally took several days and could save the hearing of 180 babies in England alone every year. It is expected the test could save the NHS £5 million every year by reducing the need for other interventions, such as cochlear implants.

Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “The successful trial of this bedside test is fantastic news for the hundreds of babies – and their parents – who would otherwise lose their hearing when given this common antibiotic in intensive care situations. Through world-class innovation, the NHS is delivering cutting edge treatments to save and improve patients’ lives as well as delivering on the commitments of the NHS Long Term Plan.”