Sheffield Children's introduces 'gene machine' diagnosis

The machines, referred to as “Gene Machines” by the trust, are two of around 15 at NHS trusts able to screen 100 genes at once for mutations.

They have been funded by the Children’s Hospital Charity. A statement said it meant tests done on children and adults with suspected genetic disorders can now be returned within two weeks instead of taking up to a year.

Ann Dalton, consultant clinical director of Genetics at the foundation trust, said: “This is going to revolutionise genetic science immediately for our patients. The first stage for us as a hospital trust is to cut waiting times for test results. Before we could only test one gene at a time but now we can test up to 100 together.”