Two new blood tests approved to rule out pre-eclampsia

Two new blood tests have been recommended for use in the NHS, to rule out pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that can affect some pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy, or shortly after birth. The condition can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Symptoms include high blood pressure and protein in urine, as well as swelling in feet, ankles, hands and face, severe headaches, vision problems and pain just below the ribs. As many of these symptoms are present in healthy pregnancies, pre-eclampsia can be difficult to detect, which is why some checks are made at routine antenatal appointments.

Often when a doctor or midwife suspects pre-eclampsia, a hospital admission occurs to seek out a full diagnosis. This can take 24 to 36 hours, and can be understandably distressing for families. However, NICE guidelines now recommend two new blood tests to help doctors rule out the condition in women between the 20th and 35th week of pregnancy. Results can take approximately 15 minutes to arrive, and prevent an unneeded stay in hospital.

Whilst the evidence isn’t sufficient for NICE to recommend the blood tests’ use within the NHS to diagnose the condition (only to rule it out when already suspected), it does show promise. This is a huge step forward, welcomed by the Royal College of Midwives, in the treatment of the condition, and helps to ensure that NHS resources are directed appropriately for women during pregnancy.

To find out more about the NICE guidelines, see the RCM article here.

 
More information on pre-eclampsia can be found on our website here