Assay stratifies pregnant women's preeclampsia risk


Answers from the Lab

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that affects about 5% of women worldwide. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Joshua Bornhorst, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique assay can identify pregnant women at risk for severe features of this blood pressure condition.

"There are no other circulating blood tests for preeclampsia risk stratification available in the United States," Dr. Bornhorst says.

The new assay — which measures the ratio of two proteins associated with preeclampsia — is recommended for women with singleton pregnancies who have been hospitalized for high blood pressure. The results stratify women at low and high risk for developing severe preeclampsia within two weeks.

"The assay has 94% sensitivity and 75% specificity for the development of preeclampsia with severe features," Dr. Bornhorst says. "It can be used to reduce indications for hospitalization when there is a low risk for this progression."

Listen to learn more about Mayo Clinic Laboratories' Preeclampsia Assay.

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Barbara J. Toman

Barbara J. Toman is a Senior Communications Specialist at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She is also the science writer for Mayo’s Neurosciences Update newsletter, which helps referring physicians to stay informed about Mayo’s treatment and research. Barbara has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2007. She enjoys international travel and cooking.