Use of Lumella-glycosylated Fibronectin for Diagnosis of Preeclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a potentially serious condition that affects pregnant women. It is usually diagnosed during routine antenatal appointments. This is based on blood pressure measurements and results of urine protein tests that are recommended at each routine antenatal visit to screen for the condition. The Triage PlGF test and the Elecsys immunoassay sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is also recommended to help rule out the condition in women presenting with suspected pre-eclampsia between 20 weeks and 34 weeks of pregnancy plus 6 days. If diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, women are usually referred to a specialist in hospital for further tests and more frequent monitoring. Depending on the severity of the condition, some women may be monitored as outpatients while others may need admission to hospital for closer monitoring or to have the condition managed in a critical care setting. The Lumella test is based on the novel biomarker GlyFn. The company states that compared with other currently used biomarkers (such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 \[sfIT-1\] and placental growth factor \[PlGF\] or PlGF alone), GlyFn is etiological to pre-eclampsia and maintains a linear progression throughout pregnancy. The company also claims that the test offers improved sensitivity and specificity over standard care tests. This would lead to a reduction in false positives and false negatives. The Lumella test requires a finger prick blood sample (5 microlitres). Other pre-eclampsia tests currently used in the NHS need a phlebotomy blood sample, which can be difficult to collect in some people. The test can also be transported and stored at room temperature. Other tests for pre-eclampsia need to be refrigerated and brought to room temperature before the test can be done. The Lumella test may improve patient experience and allow a more rapid turnaround time for results. The company states that Lumella is currently the only test that can be done within 10 minutes at room temperature.