VICTORIAN newborns will now be screened for an additional rare and serious genetic disorder.
Acting Minster for Health Ingrid Stitt recently announced that testing for galactosaemia will now be included in Victoria’s newborn bloodspot screening program, run by the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services.
Commonly referred to as the ‘heel prick test’, the newborn bloodspot screening program is designed to help parents get their children early treatment to rare health conditions, so they can live long, healthy lives.
“Early testing is an important tool for supporting the health of all Victorian babies, while also giving parents peace of mind,” Ms Stitt said.
“By expanding the newborn screening program, we’re ensuring that rare conditions like galactosaemia are spotted early so that babies get the treatment they need right from the start.”
The addition brings the total number of tests on the screening program to 32, and is offered to all newborns within their first 72 hours of life at no cost.
Galactosaemia is a rare genetic condition that prevents the body from metabolising galactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
The most serious form of galactosaemia occurs in approximately one in 50,000 babies and can cause life-threatening liver disease, infections, and cataracts if it is not diagnosed soon after birth.
Through screening, affected babies will be detected and treated early to prevent these symptoms. Treatment consists of restricting dietary galactose, and replacing dairy milk with lactose-free formulas.