- Sickle cell disease added to WA’s newborn bloodspot screening program
- It’s one of three new conditions being added to the free screening program
- Early detection enables timely treatment and improves lifelong health outcomes
- Part of Cook Labor Government’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of all Western Australians
Western Australian babies will now be screened for sickle cell disease as part of Western Australia’s newborn bloodspot screening program, helping ensure affected babies receive early care and treatment before symptoms develop.
About 30,000 WA newborns are screened through the program each year.
As of this month, sickle cell disease is now included in the routine heel-prick bloodspot test offered to newborns across Western Australia.
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the shape and function of red blood cells.
The abnormal cells can block blood flow, causing severe pain and serious complications including stroke, infection, heart disease and lung disease.
Early diagnosis allows babies to receive specialist care and treatment from infancy, significantly reducing the risk of life-threatening complications and improving long-term health outcomes.
The addition of sickle cell disease to WA’s program follows endorsement through a new nationally co-ordinated approach, with all Australian Health Ministers agreeing to include it in newborn screening programs.
WA continues to expand its newborn bloodspot screening program, with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) and Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) to be added to the program in the coming months.
X-ALD is a genetic disorder that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and adrenal gland, with early detection ensuring treatment can begin at a young age before irreversible neurological damage occurs.
BTD is a rare metabolic disorder that can cause a functional vitamin deficiency, and if left untreated leads to neurological issues such as seizures and developmental delay.
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“Every baby deserves the best possible start in life, and newborn bloodspot screening is one of the most effective ways we can identify serious health conditions before symptoms appear.
“Adding sickle cell disease to Western Australia’s screening program means affected babies can receive specialist care and treatment as early as possible, giving them the best chance of avoiding serious complications and living healthier lives.
“I’d like to acknowledge the clinicians, PathWest, Perth Children’s Hospital, Genetic Health WA, consumer advocates and the Department of Health whose collaboration has helped make this important addition to the program possible.”
