sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio Serum Test

The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio serum test measures the ratio of two proteins in the blood, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF).

The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio serum test is done for several reasons, including:

1. Diagnosis of preeclampsia: This test is used to diagnose and predict preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys.
2. Monitoring of preeclampsia: The test can be used to monitor the progression of preeclampsia and determine the severity of the condition. This helps doctors to provide appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
3. Risk assessment for pregnant women: The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test can be used to assess the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women, especially those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
4. Decision-making for delivery: The results of the test can help doctors to determine the timing of delivery for women with preeclampsia, based on the severity of the condition and the health of the mother and baby.
5. Prognosis: The test can provide information on the prognosis of preeclampsia, helping doctors to determine the likelihood of adverse outcomes such as premature birth, fetal distress, and maternal complications.

The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio serum test is typically performed on pregnant women who are suspected of having preeclampsia or at risk for developing preeclampsia. Some of the symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• High blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher)
• Protein in the urine
• Swelling in the face, hands, and feet
• Headaches
• Vision changes, such as blurriness or sensitivity to light
• Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in the second half of pregnancy

An abnormal result of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio serum test can indicate an increased risk of pre-eclampsia. If your sFlt-1/PlGF ratio serum test results are abnormal, your healthcare provider will likely recommend additional monitoring and evaluation. This may include regular blood pressure checks, urine tests, and ultrasounds to assess fetal growth and well-being. Your provider may also consider starting medications to help manage blood pressure and prevent pre-eclampsia from developing or worsening.

The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in the mothers arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins more visible, and insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally painless.

No special preparation is required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

Depending on the specific medical condition being evaluated, a healthcare provider may order other laboratory tests in addition to the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio serum test.

• If a woman is suspected of having preeclampsia, her healthcare provider may order additional tests to evaluate her kidney function (such as a creatinine clearance test), liver function (such as an alanine aminotransferase test), and platelet count.
• A complete blood count (CBC) may be ordered to evaluate for anemia or infection.
• If the patient has symptoms of heart disease, tests such as a lipid panel, troponin test, or electrocardiogram (ECG) may be ordered.
• If the patient has symptoms of thyroid disease, thyroid function tests may be ordered.

• PlGF-based test
• Angiogenic factor test
• Pre-eclampsia screening test
• sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test
• Placental growth factor test
• sFlt-1 test
• Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 test
• Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A test.