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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent

Scotland becomes first part of UK to screen newborns for spinal muscular atrophy

Newborn baby undergoes neonatal heel prick screening
Campaigners have long advocated for SMA testing in newborns because early detection is critical for treatment outcomes. Photograph: David Gee 4/Alamy

Scotland has become the first part of the UK to screen newborn babies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle wastage.

Campaigners, who have long advocated for newborn testing because early detection is critical for treatment outcomes, hope the Scottish pilot will result in approval for the heel prick test across the UK.

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