Victorian newborns will now be screened for an additional rare and serious genetic disorder under an expanded testing program announced by the state government.
Acting health minster Ingrid Stitt announced on Wednesday that testing for galactosaemia will be included in Victoria’s newborn bloodspot screening program – run by the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services.
Commonly referred to as the ‘heel prick test’, the newborn bloodspot screening program is designed to help parents get their children early treatment to rare health conditions.
With this latest addition the screening program will now test for a total 32 conditions and is offered to parents of all newborns within their first 72 hours of life, at no cost.
Galactosaemia is a rare genetic condition that prevents the body from metabolising galactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
The most serious form of galactosaemia occurs in approximately one in 50,000 babies and can cause life-threatening liver disease, infections, and cataracts if it is not diagnosed soon after birth.
Through screening, affected babies will be detected and treated early to prevent these symptoms.
“By expanding the newborn screening program, we’re ensuring that rare conditions like galactosaemia are spotted early so that babies get the treatment they need right from the start,” said Ms Stitt in making the announcement.
Details: betterhealth.vic.gov.au
