Pre-eclampsia screening Serum

Pre-eclampsia screening test measures the PAPPa and PLGF in the blood serum.

• The test is used to screen for patients at risk of developing PreEclampsia (PE) during pregnancy.
• The test if done early helps to prevent PE associated complications later in the pregnancy.
• Helps the clinician to start the pregnant woman on timely treatment and ensures close monitoring throughout the pregnancy.

Helps to monitor cases at risk for foetal abnormalities, intrauterine growth restrictions etc.

• All pregnant women should ideally undergo PE screening between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
• Pregnant women with previous history of PE or adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Those with family history of co-morbidities like hypertension, type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders etc.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. The maternal clinical history, USG reports, TRF details and other details are mandatory.

TRF details, USG report and clinical history required.

Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) Test

The reference levels depend on the maternal and gestational age. Low levels may indicate fetal abnormalities. Low levels should be correlated with the PIGF test, USG test and clinical history for further diagnosis and risk factor calculation.

PlGF (Placental Growth Factor)

Low levels of PIGF may occur in women at risk of PE. Low levels should be correlated with the PAPP-A test, USG findings and clinical history for further diagnosis and risk factor calculation.

Based on the PAPP-A and PIGF results, software dependent statistical analysis is done for Risk factor calculation. The risk factor calculated are statistical approaches and have limited diagnostic value. Results should be correlated with the clinical history and USG findings.

• PAPPa test
• PIGF test

PAPP-A is a protein produced by the placenta and important for fetal growth and development. PAPP-A is an important biomarker for pregnancy related abnormalities like premature birth, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction.

PIGF is a growth factor protein produced by the placenta and released into the maternal blood. It is important for the growth and development of the foetus.