Pioneering scientific work has changed the lives of mothers and babies all over the world, and the latest development in the UK will undoubtedly bring major relief to women nationwide.
The National Screening Committee has approved a new simple blood test for Down’s syndrome, replacing an invasive procedure which has in the past cost unborn babies their lives.
Currently, screening for Down’s syndrome in unborn babies involves the insertion of a needle into the womb for the extraction of the baby’s genetic material. This has, in many cases, resulted in miscarriage, or the mother developing infection.
No doubt mums-to-be will be heaving a sigh of relief at today’s announcement, confirming approval of a replacement blood test. Known as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), the procedure will involve taking a simple blood sample from the mother. Medics will then look for DNA belonging to the baby in that sample, and will deliver the results in about five days.
Pregnant women with a one-in-150 chance or greater of having a baby with Down’s syndrome, Patau’s or Edwards’ syndrome will be offered this new test, once it gets the stamp of approval from the government. It is expected that this will happen very soon, and that the new method of testing will come into effect shortly.
NIPT was initially unveiled last year, being hailed as “the most exciting development in pregnancy care for decades”, and researcher Lyn Chitty has welcomed the decision to roll it out.
Ms Chitty, a leader for the RAPID NIPT evaluation study, said: “[It] means that more women can be safely reassured about the health of their baby without having an invasive test which increases the risk of miscarriage. It also means that more women and their partners will be given information that allows them to make choices about their pregnancy that are best for them.”
