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**Overview**: Pre-Eclampsia Screening Panel**Introduction**: The Pre-Eclampsia Screening Panel is a diagnostic tool designed to screen for pre-eclampsia using serum samples. In India, pre-eclampsia screening in first/second trimester (PlGF, PAPP-A) identifies high-risk pregnancies for aspirin prophylaxis, reducing incidence by ~60-80 percent in selected groups. High morbidity from under-screening in rural/low-SES antenatal care, limited labs, delayed low-dose aspirin leading to severe disease or adverse outcomes. Per obstetrics practices aligned with ICMR, FOGSI, and Indian Society of Perinatology guidelines, the test employs immunoassay for PlGF and PAPP-A over 1-2 days with high accuracy, valuable for risk stratification (low PlGF predicts early-onset pre-eclampsia). This diagnostic falls under prenatal screening and targets pregnant women at 11-13 weeks or high-risk, addressing accurate detection to guide preventive aspirin (150 mg) and surveillance. With elevated morbidity due to underdiagnosis, the test supports public health efforts by enabling early risk identification and reducing maternal/fetal mortality. Its serum-based approach ensures reliable angiogenic/growth factor assessment.**Other Names**: Pre-Eclamp Scr Pnl.**FDA Status**: FDA approved, CLIA certified for endocrinology/immunology, compliant with 2025 standards.**Historical Milestone**: PlGF/PAPP-A screening standard; in India, expanding in antenatal programs.**Purpose**: The test assesses 2 parameters including PlGF to guide pre-eclampsia screening, assess risk, inform aspirin prophylaxis.**Test Parameters**: 1. PlGF, 2. PAPP-A.**Pretest Condition**: Fasting 10-12 hours recommended; patients should be first-trimester pregnant.**Specimen**: 3 mL serum in 1 SST, transported within specified times to maintain sample viability.**Sample Stability at Room Temperature**: 8 hours with proper handling to preserve analyte integrity, ensuring reliable test performance.**Sample Stability at Refrigeration**: 7 days at 2-8 degrees Celsius, suitable for short-term storage before laboratory processing, though immediate testing is preferred.**Sample Stability at Frozen**: 6 months at -20 degrees Celsius, allowing long-term storage for retesting, though freezing may affect some analytes.**Medical History**: Patients should provide details on gestational age, risk factors.**Consent**: Written informed consent is required, detailing the test's purpose, potential risks of undetected pre-eclampsia including eclampsia, benefits of screening, and minimal discomfort from venipuncture.**Procedural Considerations**: The test involves sample processing using immunoassay by trained personnel to ensure sterile technique, avoid hemolysis, and interpret results within 1-2 days using provided controls. Laboratories must maintain a controlled environment, adhere to quality assurance protocols.**Factors Affecting Result Accuracy**: Delays beyond stability periods, improper storage conditions, hemolysis can affect results. Correlation with clinical evaluation or additional testing is recommended to confirm findings.**Clinical Significance**: Low PlGF/PAPP-A indicates high risk, necessitating specialist input.**Specialist Consultation**: Fetal medicine specialists should be consulted for management.**Additional Supporting Tests**: Uterine artery Doppler, blood pressure monitoring for confirmation.**Test Limitations**: Screening only; comprehensive approach required.**References**: Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2024, Maternal Studies India 2023. |
