Down's Syndrome Test Improved.

New research suggests that blood tests provide a better result, when testing embryos for Down's syndrome.

17:57 02 April 2015

Currently, in the UK, a  woman is assessed based on her likelihood of having a baby with Down's.   Those deemed at high risk and who agree to the current method, will have a needle inserted into the placenta and the fluid or placenta will be tested.  This method carries a risk of miscarriage.

 

According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, testing a pregnant woman's blood would provide a reliable result, when testing for Down's syndrome.  The test will show up any extra DNA in the blood.

 

These results are supported by Great Ormond Street, who have started to offer similar tests.

 

A decision will be made as to  whether or not the UK's programme for screening will change this year. This will be looked at in June.

 

Research carried out by the University of California, tested 16,000 women.  They found that the blood tests correctly identified more cases of Down's syndrome and with less false positives that current screening.

 

Professor Lyn Chitty from Great Ormond Street said that although it is probable that not every pregnant woman will receive the test, the high risk women may have this extra test before they need to consider the current needle method.

 

The Down's syndrome Association state that if this change occurs, the expectant parents need to be made aware of all risks and benefits