Newborns to be screened for rare genetic disorders

Newborn babies will be screened for four rare life-threatening genetic disorders from today.

All babies will be offered screening for the four inherited metabolic diseases, which can cause death or lifelong disability, as part of a Public Health England programme.

The NHS already uses a blood test on babies when they are five to eight days old to screen for five conditions including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease.