Claire Cameron
11 March 2026
•2 min read
A test that changes lives in 26 minutes
Across NHS Scotland, we're quietly driving some of the most exciting breakthroughs in modern medicine. We're working hard behind the scenes to save lives every single day. One inspiring example is our new genetic point-of-care test for newborns.
This national programme is a major milestone in Scottish healthcare. It's been shaped, delivered, and driven by our dedicated biomedical scientists. We're the very first country in the UK to introduce routine rapid genetic testing for newborns with suspected infections.
This simple cheek swab identifies a specific mitochondrial gene variant. This variant makes some babies highly sensitive to gentamicin, which is a commonly used antibiotic. Giving this medicine to a baby with the variant can cause permanent hearing loss.
While the swab's simple, the science behind it's highly complex. We've worked together for years to bring this precision medicine to the bedside. Crucially, it turns results around in just 26 minutes, so clinicians can choose the safest antibiotic immediately.
Turning science into patient care
We've started this rollout at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. We're now extending it across every health board with neonatal services through our national innovation pathway. They're bridging the gap between laboratory science and real-time clinical decisions.
Dr Helen McDevitt is the clinical lead for the neonatal pharmacogenomics programme. She explains that it'll prevent deafness in a significant number of susceptible infants each year. Patient care will be improved immeasurably by enhancing the safety of current antibiotic treatments.
"It's exciting that Scotland is at the forefront of developing precision medicine from birth onwards," Helen says.
Meet the programme's point-of-care testing lead
Ryan Cooper is a point-of-care testing lead at NHS National Services Scotland. His role shows the vital influence biomedical scientists have on shaping clinical pathways. Ryan makes sure every test is accurate and brings laboratory-quality diagnostics directly to the patient.
Ryan says this gentle test gives us the power to protect babies from avoidable harm right from the start. He notes it aims to safeguard their quality of life and give families peace of mind. By identifying those at risk within minutes of birth, we can make safer treatment choices.
"We give every child the best chance to grow, learn and thrive without the challenges that hearing loss can bring," Ryan shared.
Protecting thousands of babies across Scotland
We expect to test over 3,000 newborn babies in the first year alone. By preventing avoidable hearing loss, it'll transform the futures of countless children. It'll also significantly reduce the need for lifelong audiology support.
This achievement shows exactly what Healthcare Science Week is all about. We're celebrating the people whose scientific expertise drives safer, smarter, and more personalised care. It's a huge testament to the power of science in action.