Labcorp launches test that can detect preeclampsia in first trimester

Last week, Labcorp, one of the two leading laboratory services companies in the United States, introduced a test to assess preeclampsia risk that can work as early as the first trimester. According to the company’s press release, the test can be performed between 11 and 14 gestational weeks.

This development follows an announcement from Labcorp earlier this year, in January 2024, that launched and announced the availability of an FDA-cleared blood test for preeclampsia risk assessment in the second and third trimesters.

"Our organization celebrates this innovative new test offering," said Eleni Tsigas, Chief Executive Officer of the Preeclampsia Foundation, in the Labcorp press release. "Research shows that patients and providers want access to more tools that better predict progression to preeclampsia, especially for those patients with low- to average-risk or those with first-time pregnancies for whom there is some uncertainty."

Labcorp reveals that this blood-based test assesses two biochemical markers: placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma-protein-A (PAAP-A). Low levels of these markers indicate poor placental development and function. Alongside the biochemical markers, the test also considers two biophysical markers: mean arterial pressure (MAP) and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI). High MAP and UtAPI can indicate elevated blood pressure and poor blood flow across the uterine artery.

Combining insights from these four factors, the test can provide a preeclampsia risk score for pregnant individuals from the first trimester of pregnancy.

According to the press release, the test was developed based on data from two investigations, the Screening Program for Preeclampsia (SPREE) study and the Combined Multimarker Screening and Randomizing Patient Treatment with Aspirin for Evidence-Based Preeclampsia Prevention (ASPRE) trial.

"Labcorp is committed to advancing maternal and fetal health through innovative diagnostic and screening solutions," added Brian Caveney, MD, Labcorp's Chief Medical and Scientific Officer. "This new first-trimester blood test is another significant milestone in our mission to improve health and improve lives. By giving healthcare providers another tool to assess preeclampsia risk in their pregnant patients with objective biomarkers, we're helping to advance prenatal care and improve outcomes for mothers and their babies."