Mcadd

A child will onlybe born withMCADD ifthey inherit a copyof the faulty gene that causesit from both of theirparents.

The parents won't normallyhave thecondition themselves because they usually only have one copy of the faulty gene each. This is known as being a "carrier".

It's estimated that up to1 in every 40 people in the UKcould becarriers of the faulty gene that causes MCADD.

If both parents are carriers of the faulty gene, there's a:

• 25% chance each child they have will notinherit any faulty genes and won't have MCADD or be able to pass it on
• 50% chanceeach child they have will just inherit a copy of the faulty gene from one parent and be acarrier
• 25% chanceeach child they have will inheritcopies of the faulty gene from both parents and will have MCADD

The blood is then sent to a laboratory to be checked for abnormalities that could indicate MCADD.

You should receive the results by the time your baby is six to eight weeks old. You'll be contacted sooner if a problem is found in order to attend a hospital appointment to discuss this further.

The screening result isn't 100% accurate, so further urine and blood tests will be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. You, your partner and any other children you have may also be tested to see if you carry the faulty gene that causes MCADD.

If you've previously had a child with MCADD, theblood spottest should be carried out within 24-48 hours of birth.