Midwives are set to gain approval to use one of four blood tests to help diagnose suspected preterm pre-eclampsia.
Draft diagnostic guidance, published by NICE today, says the tests can be used between 20 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. They all measure levels of placental growth factor (PLGF) in the blood.
NICE previously recommended that tests were only used to help rule out pre-eclampsia rather than to diagnose it.
It now says being able to help positively diagnose pre-eclampsia will lead to better care for the mother and her unborn baby.
This will enable midwives to make decisions about their patient’s care if they present with suspected preterm pre-eclampsia.
NICE’s antenatal care guideline on pre-eclampsia recommends a number of measures, including measuring blood pressure and checking the urine for protein at each antenatal visit. It also recommends determining risk factors for pre-eclampsia at the booking appointment, by 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Jeanette Kusel, acting director for MedTech and digital at NICE, said: “These tests represent a step change in the management and treatment of pre-eclampsia.
“New evidence presented to the committee shows that these tests can help successfully diagnose pre-eclampsia, alongside clinical information for decision-making, rather than just rule it out.
“This is extremely valuable to doctors and expectant mothers as now they can have increased confidence in their treatment plans and preparing for a safe birth.”
Dr Mark Kroese, chair of the NICE diagnostics advisory committee, added: “The committee called for further research when it looked at this topic in 2016. Following some excellent research, we can now issue draft guidance for four tests, which the NHS can use to help diagnose pre-eclampsia.”
A consultation on the draft recommendation is open and comments must be submitted via nice.org.uk before Tuesday 19 April 2022.
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