A “simple” genetic test for newborn babies that will help prevent deafness caused by a common antibiotic is to be rolled out across Scotland, it has been announced.

The test can show whether an infant is susceptible to hearing loss as a result of an antibiotic named Gentamicin.

Doctors often prescribe Gentamicin to babies showing signs of serious infection such as sepsis – and in most cases this is safe and effective.

However, for a small number of infants who carry a specific genetic variant, the drug can cause permanent hearing loss.

The “innovative” new procedure uses a rapid cheek swab and NHS Scotland said it can establish whether a child carries the variant in just 26 minutes, enabling their clinician to prescribe an equally effective alternative drug.

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