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Scotland becomes first part of UK to screen newborns for spinal muscular atrophy
UK NewsTechnologyHealth•March 23, 2026 at 11:22 AMNational

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

By Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent•The Guardian - UK News

Campaigners hope pilot will result in heel p**** test for rare condition being approved across BritainScotland 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 p**** test across the UK. Continue reading...

Campaigners hope pilot will result in heel p**** test for rare condition being approved across Britain

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 p**** test across the UK.

Continue reading...

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