New genetic test for deafness launches in the UK

Genedrive’s genetic test for deafness is a simple cheek swab with results in about 25 minutes. It detects whether the baby has a genetic variant that will result in deafness if given the antibiotic gentamicin. This medication is typically given to newborns in intensive care within an hour of birth. According to inews.co.uk, around 90,000 babies in the UK are treated with it.

The simplicity of the test means it can be given with other screening procedures. It is more than 95 percent accurate, inews.co.uk reported. While this genetic variant was known to cause deafness, the test used to take days to produce results.

Bill Newman, professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at the University of Manchester and consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust told HearingLikeMe.com in 2020 that gentamicin is cheap and effective against infections. It is given to over seven million babies worldwide every year.

“One in 500 babies will carry a genetic variant which will lead to profound irreversible hearing loss in babies given this medication, approximately 14,000 babies worldwide each year,” Newman said.

In January 2020, this genetic test was used on 750 newborns at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester. During the pandemic, most research was halted by the National Health Service (NHS). But this trial was allowed to continue. It will roll out to other Greater Manchester hospitals and eventually across NHS.