News · 23 March 2026
Approximately 45,000 Scottish babies to get new SMA test
Unsplash / Megan Menegay
Early diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) means babies can get treatment sooner, potentially preventing severe symptoms of this muscle weakening condition. Scotland has become the first UK region to begin routine testing for SMA in all newborn babies. A two-year pilot programme uses a heel prick test and will screen around three to four babies born with SMA each year.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs