It is a prenatal test to detect genetic abnormalities in fetus
LifeCell launched Pentastic- an ultrasound and biochemistry based blood test. It is undertaken in the first trimester of pregnancy between 11 to 13 weeks 6 days to screen for genetic abnormalities, structural malformations in the fetus and serious high blood pressure in pregnancy.
Compared to conventional screening tests that use only two analytes [PAPP-A+free hCGß], the new Pentastic test incorporates 5 analytes [PAPP-A + free hCGß + AFP + Inhibin-A + PIGF] to predict the risk. Addition of these new analytes can significantly improve the detection of these abnormalities whilst simultaneously lowering the number of false alarms raised. This would lead to substantial improvements in health outcomes whilst providing a higher level of reassurance for expectant parents.
The screening will be performed on a platform accredited by Fetal Medical Foundation (FMF), the flagship international organisation for fetal diagnostics.
Another significant advantage of the Pentastic test is that it helps in detecting Pre-eclampsia, (developing <37 weeks) in the first trimester. This is a medical condition that increases the risk both for mother and the baby during pregnancy. Some symptoms of preeclampsia may include high blood pressure and protein in the urine, occurring after week 20 of pregnancy. Conventional biochemical screening and even advanced DNA-based tests such as NIPT (Non-invasive prenatal testing) do not help in identifying this condition. Importantly, early detection facilitates early treatment which is important for the safety and psychology of the parents.
Reportedly, from a cost perspective too, the Pentastic test offers almost the same detection rate as NIPT, 98 per cent compared to 99.5 per cent, but is available at a significantly lower cost than NIPT [estimated at ~80 per cent lesser].
Mayur Abhaya, MD, Lifecell said, “Pentastic Penta Marker Screening would provide very high detection rate of 98 per cent with low false positive rate of 1.2 per cent as against the current combined screening test which offers a much lower detection rate and a false positive rate upward of 5 per cent. Hence this test would lead to substantially lower parental anxiety, by helping them make more accurate informed decisions with access to reliable and affordable tests. It’s imperative that universal screening for chromosomal disorders are now made available in India through policy making as in other nations. ”
On this occasion Prof Dr Ashok Khurana, President, Society of Fetal Medicine, said “First Trimester Penta Screening is a significant improvement over conventional combined test screening (Double Marker Screening tests) because it potentially reduces the need for follow-up invasive testing, thus reducing costs and risks. It addresses several complications of the fetus and mother, including the commonest congenital cause of mental disability (Down syndrome), commonest structural defects (Open Neural Tube Defects), and the most life-threatening blood pressure disorder in pregnancy (Preeclampsia). Early diagnosis and treatment facilitated by the tests makes pregnancy considerably safer.”
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