Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamycin have dose-dependent side effects including sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). People with variants in the mitochondrial RNR1 gene are predisposed to aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss (AIHL), and in a few, even a single dose can cause profound SNHL in both ears. Potentially 1 in 500 people have the most common gene variant m.1555A>G, while the m.1095T>C and m.1494C>T RNR1 variants are also strongly linked with AIHL.¹

A rapid point-of-care test (POCT) for m.1555A>G with a half-hour turnaround is being evaluated in specialist units where gentamycin is prescribed frequently. If successful, the PCT could significantly improve on the weeks-long standard testing.