WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
PerkinElmer,
a global leader in human and environmental health and an innovator in
the field of prenatal screening for more than thirty years, announced
today the first available early onset preeclampsia screening test in the
United States. The PreeclampsiaScreen™
| T1 serum screening test enables physicians to more precisely
detect asymptomatic patients in the first trimester of pregnancy who are
at high risk for developing the dangerous condition, allowing for
earlier identification, management and intervention. Early onset
preeclampsia is a potentially serious condition that affects 0.5% of all
pregnancies, often contributing more to the pregnant mother's and baby's
risks of morbidity and mortality than does the late form of the disorder.
"This first of its kind screen is our latest commitment to providing
clinicians with new, innovative ways to address some of today's most
challenging prenatal clinical scenarios," said Jim Corbett, Senior
Vice President and President, Diagnostics and Life Sciences & Technology
for PerkinElmer. "Together with our recent advances, including offering
a non-invasive prenatal test based on cell-free fetal DNA, plus a wide
range of prenatal testing from biochemical screening to SNP microarray
testing to detect birth defects and chromosome abnormalities, we're
giving physicians effective new tools for patient management."
According to Dr. Jiri Sonek, MD RDMS, President, Fetal Medicine
Foundation USA, and Adjunct Professor, Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology from Wright State University, "Preeclampsia is one of the
remaining great challenges in obstetrics. It is a major cause of
maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, some
physicians may recommend a simple and inexpensive intervention to reduce
the risk of preeclampsia which is available in the form of low-dose
aspirin. However, this treatment is effective only if begun early in
pregnancy. That is why first trimester screening is such a critical
component of preeclampsia prevention."
Early onset preeclampsia is defined as preeclampsia, a sudden increase
in blood pressure and protein in the urine, which leads to delivery of
the fetus prior to 34 weeks' gestation. If found early, options such as
increased monitoring, modified activity, bed rest and medication can
help reduce or avoid complications related to early onset preeclampsia.
PreeclampsiaScreen™
| T1 is administered during the first trimester of pregnancy through
a simple blood test to detect three biochemical markers in the mother's
blood: PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A); PlGF (placental
growth factor) and AFP (alpha fetoprotein) that, when evaluated
collectively with personal demographic data, provide an individual risk
of developing early onset preeclampsia. Physicians have the option to
provide two additional biophysical measurements for their patients —
mean arterial pressure (MAP) and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility
index (UtAD-PI) - each increasing the sensitivity of the screen when
included in the testing protocol.
For more information, please visit the PreeclampsiaScreen™
| T1 landing page. If you are a healthcare provider, contact PerkinElmer
Labsto begin ordering the screening test for your practice. If you
are a pregnant mother, please ask your healthcare provider for more
information about preeclampsia and this screening test.
About PerkinElmer, Inc.
PerkinElmer, Inc. is a global leader focused on improving the health and
safety of people and the environment. The company reported revenue of
approximately $2.1 billion in 2012, has about 7,500 employees serving
customers in more than 150 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500
Index. Additional information is available through 1-877-PKI-NYSE, or at www.perkinelmer.com.
Join the conversation on twitter at www.twitter.com/perkinelmernews.
Edelman (on behalf of PerkinElmer)
Jen Reid, 404-460 -8587
jen.reid@edelman.com
Source: PerkinElmer
News Provided by Acquire Media