We are proud to share the findings of a recent quality improvement report, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education & Practice, that highlights the successful implementation of the Genedrive® MT-RNR1 ID Kit in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHS).
The Problem
Gentamicin remains the standard first-line antibiotic for suspected neonatal sepsis, as recommended by NICE guidelines. However, for babies carrying the m.1555A>G variant in the MT-RNR1 gene, even a single dose of aminoglycoside can cause irreversible lifelong hearing loss. The variant is found in approximately 1 in 500 people, meaning that without testing, infants remain at risk.
The Genedrive® Solution
The Genedrive® MT-RNR1 ID Kit is a first-of-its kind rapid genetic test that identifies the m.1555A>G variant from a simple buccal swab in around 30 minutes. This helps to prevent antibiotic-induced hearing loss in newborns by providing the information needed to determine the most effective clinical pathway and saves millions annually in lifetime support costs, specialist appointments and follow up care.
Implementation at UHS
With 500 annual NICU admissions and gentamicin used in 60-80% of cases, UHS recognised the importance of integrating this technology into routine practice. Their team followed a human factors approach to implementation, considering workflow, training, and communication strategies.
Key success criteria were defined:
- Antibiotics delivered within 1 hour of decision-to-treat
- ≥95% of admissions tested
- ≤5% test failure rate
Results and Impact
- The technology was introduced in December 2023.
- Antibiotic timings remained fast, with no delays to care.
- Testing uptake quickly rose above 95% and was sustained.
- Test failures dropped below 5% from June 2024 onwards.
- Importantly, in 2024, two infants were identified as carriers of the m.1555A>G variant, avoiding exposure to gentamicin and the risk of profound hearing loss.
Lessons Learned
The project showed that success depends not only on the test itself, but also on:
- Careful workflow planning and training
- Ongoing staff engagement and communication
- Continuous monitoring and iterative improvements
By embedding the Genedrive® MT-RNR1 ID Kit into standard NICU practice, UHS has demonstrated how precision medicine at the point of care can protect infants from preventable harm – without compromising the speed and effectiveness of sepsis treatment.
You can read the full publication here: Nguyen J, Kishore P, Lawn C. Implementation of a novel point-of-care technology: the Genedrive MT-RNR1 test. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2025;0:1–4.
Watch the local ITV news report:
Innovative genetic test launches in Brighton to help prevent hearing loss in vulnerable newborns
