A simple blood test to diagnose Down Syndrome prenatally has been developed by scientists at Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics in Cyrus.
The non-invasive test analyses the fetal DNA that has been shed into the mother’s bloodstream, to identify the gene mutation associated with Down syndrome.
In a study conducted by researchers, the new test successfully identified 14 Down syndrome cases and 26 normal foetuses.
According to researchers, the new test can identify Down syndrome in the 11th week of pregnancy, early enough for a woman to end her pregnancy if she chooses to.
Additionally, the test eliminates the risk of miscarriage, which is involved in traditional, invasive Down Syndrome tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
Researchers are planning to conduct larger clinical trials to further validate the test.