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“
I am so glad I had the PlGF ratio test performed – after having headaches I am came to the Maternity Assessment Centre for a review . My blood pressure was normal and the blood test showed I was low risk of pre-eclampsia – this was such a reassurance for me and eased some of the anxiety I had .”
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust PlGF patient
Improving diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects women usually during the second half of pregnancy . It causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine and , if not diagnosed and closely monitored , it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications . The development of pre-eclampsia is varied and has historically been difficult to definitively identify or rule out .
Placental Growth Factor ( PlGF ) testing is a simple blood test that eliminates the risk of poor prediction of pre-eclampsia and reduces the risk of unnecessary hospitalisation for women who will not go on to develop the condition . This creates the potential to free up hospital beds and provides both an improved patient experience and wellbeing and financial benefit for the NHS .
We have been working with all maternity services in the region to implement PlGF testing with the aim of providing equitable care for all women across Yorkshire and the Humber .
From April 2020 to March 2021
• Seven trusts have implemented the test across the region
• We are supporting three trusts with trial evaluations
• 1,470 blood tests have been taken
Some of the impacts from the PlGF programme :
1470 blood tests have been taken
7 Trusts have introduced the programme
Impact Report 2020-21 37