NHS England has rolled out a same-day, life-saving test for pregnant women, dubbed placental growth factor (PLGF) testing.
PLGF testing is claimed to be the world’s first blood test to detect pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening condition for both pregnant women and their babies.
The new test is said to help prevent the fatal disease on the same day, relieving stress and anxiety for those who are free of it, and enables timely treatment for those who need it.
NHS maternity and women’s health clinical director Matthew Jolly said: “Pre-eclampsia is a life-threatening condition for both mum and baby if left untreated and this is why the NHS takes every precaution possible when soon-to-be mums have some of the early signs like high blood pressure.
“This new way of testing means we can rule out the condition in a much quicker and easier way – it removes the stress that comes with the uncertainty around not having a diagnosis and will reassure thousands of pregnant women every year.”
The new blood test will provide a rapid diagnosis, along with significantly reducing the need for hospital visits and workload on clinics and the staff.
NHS stated that every pregnant woman with early symptoms, including high blood pressure and protein in urine will be tested, where most cases are mild, and only a few can be fatal.
The new test offers an effective way to diagnose pre-eclampsia, as clinicians are required to take additional checks with suspected cases previously, said the healthcare system.
NHS innovation, research and life sciences director Matt Whitty said: “This test is quick and easy and can rule out a condition that has for a long time been the of cause such stress to tens of thousands of pregnant women every year, whether they have pre-eclampsia or not.
“This latest innovation will benefit thousands of patients who have until now been put through extensive testing and possible hospital stays as the NHS continues to deliver on ambitious Long Term Plan commitments to provide patients with the most up to date tech, as quickly as possible.”
