Placental growth factor (PLGF)-based testing is a new blood test providing information on placental biomarkers which, when used alongside other diagnostic and clinical information, can help clinicians to predict, diagnose and appropriately manage potential pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia being a multisystem hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, thought to be related to the development of the placenta.

What are the patient benefits?

  • Reassurance to pregnant women with hypertension

  • Reduction in the need for unnecessary hospitalisation

  • Increased clinical confidence in treatment plans

  • Avoidance of emergency medical interventions

  • Improved risk assessment to enable early planning for a safe birth

  • Facilitation of shared decision making

How is this being implemented in Dorset

  • A case study summarising implementation of PLGF testing at University Hospitals Dorset is available here.