Blood test to predict premature birth

Scientists have developed a blood test that can identify women who are at risk of having a premature birth, but are not displaying symptoms, as early as 18 weeks into their pregnancy. The test is said to be the most accurate one to date and provides the earliest detection of premature birth, with a 86% accuracy in determining mothers at risk of early delivery.

The research was carried out by scientists from The University of Western Australia (UWA), the University of Toronto, the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. It builds on previous work by the team, who developed a similar test for women who presented to hospital with early contractions.

Premature birth is the main cause of death and disability in babies globally and accounts for approximately 8% of births in Australia. One of the biggest problems with the condition, noted Associate Professor Craig Pennell from UWA, “is that it is very hard to predict in the middle of pregnancy which deliveries will occur before 37 weeks gestation”.

“Our new test will enable women at high risk early access to medical care, which will reduce the rate of preterm birth,” added Associate Professor Pennell. With careful planning, he said, medical practitioners will be able to improve the treatment and prevention options available to women.

“In particular, in remote areas, a simple blood test mid-pregnancy can guide which women can remain in their communities and which need to seek early specialist care,” he continued.

The research has been published in the journal PLOS ONE. Further evaluation of the test will be undertaken by Associate Professor Pennell and the UWA Perinatal Genomics Research Team before it becomes available to the broader community.

Pictured: Associate Professor Craig Pennell.