News | RIVM

From 1 June 2022, heel prick test also screens for muscle disease SMA, bringing number of screened diseases to 26

From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.

Launch of the European project RISK-HUNT3R

The new Horizon 2020 project RISK-HUNT3R: RISK assessment of chemicals integrating HUman centric Next generation Testing strategies promoting the 3Rs was launched on 1 June.

Possible health risks due to exposure to chromium-6 at tROM project Tilburg

Research by RIVM shows that the participants in the so-called tROM project, their supervisors and other people involved may have been exposed to chromium-6.

Animal-free innovations in safety assessment of chemicals

How can the process of validation, acceptance and use of animal-free innovative approaches to assess the safety of chemicals be facilitated?

Blood spot test extended as of 1 January 2017 to include two more disorders

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.

Newborn heel prick screening starts on St Eustatius and Saba

On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.

Interspecies website transferred from RIVM to Utrecht University

The Interspecies website which helps researchers to reduce and refine the use of laboratory animals is transferred to the 3Rs database Programme of the 3Rs-Centre Utrecht Life Sciences (ULS) of Utr

No new MERS patients in the Netherlands

Almost two months ago, two Dutch people were diagnosed with the MERS coronavirus.

International study finds MERS coronavirus in raw dromedary camel milk

Milk from dromedary camels infected with the MERS coronavirus may contain the virus, and consuming this raw milk may thus pose a risk to public health.

Clinical condition Dutch MERS patients improving

The two patients who were diagnosed last week with the MERS coronavirus are now on the mend.