The government announced last week that every newborn baby in England will have their DNA mapped to assess their risk of hundreds of diseases, under NHS plans for the next 10 years.
This is an extension of a trial project which began last October ran by Genomics England.
Genomics England has listed the conditions that are currently being screened as part of the pilot project on their website.
The conditions we test for:
- Usually appear in the first few years of life
- Can be improved if caught early
- Can be treated through the NHS in England
Some conditions have simple treatments, like taking a daily vitamin. Others are treated more intensively, with therapies and medication.
Huntington's disease is NOT on this list. Newborn babies will not be tested for Huntington's disease.
Predictive genetic testing for Huntington's disease is available for over 18s only.