World-first bedside genetic test to prevent babies going deaf

Impact: Health and wellbeing, Economic, Technological, Policy

Narrative

1 in 500 babies carry a gene that causes permanent deafness when given gentamicin, an antibiotic commonly used in intensive care. Working with a small biotechnology company Genedrive Plc, we developed the world’s first, rapid bedside genetic test. The test takes just 25 minutes, compared to several days with conventional methods, allowing doctors to give an alternative antibiotic within the recommended 60 minutes to those babies carrying the gene.
Working with families, the team trialled the test in 751 babies in neonatal units in Manchester and Liverpool without delays to treatment.
In April 2022 the test was introduced into three Manchester hospitals, in March 2023 NICE recommended its use within the NHS, and in August 2023 the test was rolled out into routine clinical practice across Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust where 350 nurses have been trained to use the genetic testing machine. It is now being used for babies across England and internationally.
Every year the test could save the hearing of 180 babies in England alone, and save the NHS ~£5 million, by reducing the need for other interventions such as cochlear implants.
Impact date1 May 2018 → 2023
Category of impactHealth and wellbeing, Economic, Technological, Policy
Impact levelAdoption

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