Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID) is an inherited condition. This means that it is passed from parents to children through genes. It is very rare but it can be very serious.
It happens when a particular enzyme in your body is missing or not working. This leads to a very weak immune system.
Our immune system protects us from infections. Babies born with ADA-SCID have a weak immune system, so they cannot fight off infections. This means that common infections could be life-threatening for them.
Babies born in Ireland with ADA-SCID
Around 1 in every 137,000 babies born in Ireland has ADA-SCID.
Babies with ADA-SCID inherit 1 changed gene from each parent.
How heel prick screening can help
Babies are checked for ADA-SCID as part of heel prick screening.
They are offered heel prick screening when they are around 5 days old. This test also checks for other conditions.
A midwife or nurse takes a few drops of blood from your baby's heel using a special device. If the heel-prick suggests that your baby may have ADA-SCID, they will be referred to a specialist.
Finding ADA-SCID early means treatment can start immediately.