Noninvasive Test May Identify Down Syndrome Early

Down Syndrome Chart. eckert.jpg

Down syndrome is a common birth defect, with one baby out of six hundred live births in all populations, said lead researcher Philippos Patsalis, chief executive medical director of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics in Nicosia. "This is due to an extra chromosome 21, and that leads to physical and mental impairment."

Current Tests

Down syndrome is currently diagnosed using one of two invasive procedures, amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Because these tests, while eighty percent accurate, carry a one percent to two percent risk of miscarriage, only about one in ten pregnant women choose not to have the tests done.

New Test

The new test eliminates the risk of miscarriage, the new test can also identify Down syndrome in the 11th week of pregnancy, early enough for a woman to end her pregnancy if she chooses to do so. The new test is a simple blood test with quick results.

Conclusion

The cost is much lower than the invasive procedures," he said. "We estimate we can introduce this to clinical practice in a couple of years."

Source: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/sexual-health/birth-control/articlep...


 
 

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