The UK National Screening Committee has recommended that screening for the the genetic condition tyrosinaemia is included in the newborn blood spot screening programme in the UK.
If untreated the condition can result in damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system. A decision on whether or not the condition should be added to the newborn blood spot screening programme had been due in June 2022, but the committee decided more work was needed to determine effectiveness.
On reaching a decision committee chair Professor Sir Mike Richards said: 'The avoidance of liver transplantation is a very important outcome for babies and their families.
'The committee's decision to recommend screening was based on the evidence presented, comments we received and the ethical principles of acting to prevent disease, improve health as soon as possible and use public resources fairly and proportionately.'
