Newborn
Genetic Screening
Programme
Healthier start, Healthier life
From the moment a child enters the world, a series of checks are in place to ensure they’re healthy, including a routine screening that tests around 40 genetic and metabolic conditions. These screenings are vital, helping identify conditions that can be treated early.
But even with these measures, some conditions may remain undetected. They may not show symptoms at birth but can emerge in the first months or years of life, quietly affecting a child’s development and wellbeing.
To bridge that gap, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has introduced the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, an advanced test that looks deeper into a newborn’s genetic health.
What is the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme?
The Newborn Genetic Screening Programme is a standard part of newborn care in Abu Dhabi, designed to help protect babies from the very start of life. It helps identify certain genetic conditions early, often before symptoms appear, so babies who need treatment, supportive care or specialised follow-up can receive it as soon as possible.
The programme uses whole genome sequencing to screen more than 750 genes associated with over 800 actionable childhood genetic conditions.
The Newborn Genetic Screening Programme does not replace routine newborn screening which remains an essential part of newborn care. It includes the heel prick test, a blood sample from the newborn’s heel, which screens for approximately 40 common conditions, many of which are metabolic. Routine newborn screening is mandatory for all newborns in the UAE and continues to support the early detection and care.
Both screenings work together to provide a more complete picture of a baby’s health and support timely care where needed.
Why is newborn genetic screening important?
Many genetic conditions remain hidden in the early stages of life, only becoming apparent when they begin to impact your baby’s growth, development, or overall health.
Newborn genetic screening helps identify certain genetic conditions that may not be visible at birth. Detecting these conditions early allows babies to receive treatment sooner, before symptoms appear.
Early care can help:
Prevent complications
Support healthy development
Give babies the best possible start in life
What conditions does the screening cover?
The screening focuses on genetic conditions that can affect babies and young children, particularly where early treatment, care or monitoring can make a meaningful difference. These include conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy and Rett syndrome.
Core Screening Panel – recommended for all eligible newborns:
The Core Panel covers more than 660 conditions associated with over 585 genes, where early treatment or clinical intervention is available. Identifying these conditions early can help healthcare teams begin appropriate care sooner, in some cases before symptoms appear.
Supplemental Screening Panel – available as an additional option:
How does the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme work?
The screening is simple and safe. During prenatal care visits, parents are informed about the programme and what to expect, including:
A cord blood sample is collected at delivery, meaning no additional procedures are required for the baby.
The sample is then sent for analysis and the results are available within 21 days.
Once the report is ready, parents are contacted by the hospital where their baby was born, and an appointment is scheduled to explain the results and answer any questions.
If no genetic findings are identified, the baby continues with routine newborn care.
If a genetic finding is identified, parents are guided step by step through additional testing and follow-up care as needed.
Throughout the process, families receive clear guidance, counselling and support from their healthcare team.
The genetic screening is carried out within a regulated healthcare system and is designed to ensure safe, accurate and secure testing for every newborn.
Who is eligible for the screening, and is it covered by insurance?
The screening forms an integral part of the standard care provided to eligible newborns in Abu Dhabi. The programme covers UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers born in the Emirate and is available across all maternity hospitals in Abu Dhabi.
The cost of generating the newborn genetic screening report is covered when the newborn is enrolled in the Emirati Genome Programme and at least one parent is a Thiqa cardholder. If a finding is identified, any confirmatory testing, follow-up care or treatment will be managed in line with applicable insurance coverage and clinical requirements. Families covered by other health insurance plans are advised to contact their hospital to confirm their coverage details.
How is the child’s genetic data protected, used, and shared?
The child’s genetic data is handled with strict confidentiality within a secure and regulated framework overseen by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. The information is used only to support the baby’s care, including identifying treatable conditions and guiding follow-up where needed.
Access is limited to authorised healthcare professionals involved in the child’s care, and all the data is stored and managed in line with health data protection and confidentiality standards.
Take the Next Step
For more information about the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, parents are encouraged to speak with their physician or healthcare provider.
Additional information is also available through the following channels:
These channels are available to support parents with any questions about the screening process, results or next steps.