Scientists raise concerns over UK baby genome sequencing plan
by Hannah Devlin Science correspondent from Science | The Guardian on (#5SKN4)
Exclusive: experts say scheme seems designed to create valuable dataset rather than improve screening
Scientists have raised concerns about a proposed overhaul of newborn screening that could lead to the UK becoming the first country to offer whole-genome sequencing for every baby.
Speaking before the publication of plans for an NHS pilot study in which up to 200,000 babies' genomes will be sequenced and analysed, scientists suggested the initiative appeared designed to create a valuable health dataset rather than an effective method of improving the diagnosis of rare diseases.
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