newborn screening programme

MCADD

MCADD stands for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. It is the most common disease in a group called fatty acid oxidation disorders. People with MCADD are unable to break down certain chemicals the body uses to release energy. People with MCADD are usually healthy if they are treated with a strict diet. However, infections or prolonged fasting can lead to drowsiness, coma or sudden death.

Read more about MCADD on the NHS website.

UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in March 2017.

Screening for this condition is recommended.

The UK NSC recommends screening for MCADD. In 2015, the UK NSC reviewed whether there was any evidence to alter or stop MCADD screening and found nothing to suggest that screening should not continue.

Supporting documents from the 2017 review

UK NSC Pilot Triage MCADD (2015)
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.

Screening around the UK

The UK NSC recommends screening for this condition, however this may vary slightly depending on where you are in the UK.

Review cycle

Date previous review completed: 2017

Next review estimated to be completed: 2021 to 2022.

To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.

Organisations interested in MCADD

These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.

List of organisations

If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.