Researchers have created a new blood test that helps predict whether a pregnant woman is likely to go into labour prematurely. Currently, many of the women admitted to hospital with signs of premature labour do not end up giving birth within ten days.
The new test examines blood for signs of the expression of certain genes, and predicts whether or not a spontaneous preterm birth will occur within 48 hours of hospital admission with 70 per cent accuracy. The test could help ensure that those most at risk of preterm birth get the care they need, while those least at risk can be safely sent home.
Original research paper published in the the journal PLOS One on May 14, 2014.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
