The Minister for Health has announced that Queensland is set to expand its screening program for newborn babies so it includes tests for two serious genetic conditions – Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
The Minister, Yvette D’Ath said Queensland’s introduction of testing for SMA and SCID could be expected to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of babies diagnosed with either of the two genetic conditions.
Ms D’Ath said the new testing capabilities would begin operating in May of next year and be available for use on all heel prick samples soon after.
“Every baby born in Queensland is already screened, free of charge, for 25 conditions through a simple heel prick test performed after birth,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Right now, our equipment is unable to test for genetic conditions like SMA and SCID,” she said.
“That’s why the Queensland Government is investing $1.6 million to expand the screening program and a further $1.25 million each year to maintain it.”
She said the new genetic testing equipment, combined with upskilling pathology staff, could test tens of thousands of Queensland babies born each year for SMA and SCID.
Ms D’Ath said SMA is a condition that affects the muscles involved in movement, such as swallowing, breathing and general movement while SCID is a very rare genetic and potentially life-threatening disorder that affects the immune system, increasing a child’s risk to certain infections.
“Babies who are born with these diseases have a very poor prognosis, but early intervention and treatment can make all the difference to their lives,” Ms D’Ath said.
The Minister thanked the parents and groups who advocated long and strongly for SMA and SCID testing.
“The passion and commitment of advocates has not gone unnoticed, and future parents will be in their debt for the work they have done,” she said.
