March 12, 2005
SCIENTISTS have developed an alternative test to the
amniocentesis procedure which means older women will be able to avoid one of the
most invasive and stressful moments of pregnancy.
A routine Pap smear taken at six weeks' gestation can detect the
same fetal abnormalities - such as cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome - as an
amniocentesis.
Australian
researchers believe the Pap smear using DNA technology can replace the
diagnostic procedure that is performed by inserting a hollow needle through the
abdominal wall into the uterus at 18 weeks.
The new test also avoids the 1 per cent risk of miscarriage
the amniocentesis procedure carries. "It's certainly less frightening for women
than having a big needle inserted into their belly," lead researcher Ian Findlay
said.
"This test is really
going to revolutionise pre-clinical diagnosis as we know it," said Professor
Findlay, chief scientific officer at Gribbles Molecular Science in Brisbane.
"It has several advantages
because it's done at six weeks instead of the amniocentesis that is done at 18
weeks.
"It's been tried on
several hundred women over the last year, with 100 per cent accuracy."
Last year, about 9000
women in Australia had an amniocentesis, which is recommended for pregnant women
over the age of 35.
Professor Findlay's test, which can be performed by a
GP, uses DNA fingerprinting to screen fetal cells taken during Pap smears.
"Women living in remote and regional towns won't need to go to a major city for
the test because the GP can do the test ... and you can get the results back in
24 hours."
Professor Findlay said the DNA
technology was discovered about 20 years ago but had never been applied to fetal
cells.
"We're hoping that
we can launch the service by the middle of this year, but that will depend on
getting the many more samples for this clinical trial."
Melbourne IVF
chairman John McBain said the procedure was a breakthrough in clinical testing.
"This is absolutely original, groundbreaking work. "There's no risk of fetal
loss and it's done very early."
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