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Australia

"Blood test takes risk out of prenatal testing"

Source: ABC Science Online

Published: 05 Jul 2012

Category: Diagnostic Test

Rating: (4½ stars)

Keywords: blood test amniocentesis diagnostic prenatal testing

what they said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

The days of pregnant women having an eight-centimetre-long hollow needle jabbed into their abdomens may be numbered.

The original article can be found at: http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2012/07/05/3539549.htm

how did it rate? (more information)

Criteria	Rating
Total Score	8 of 9
Availability of Test	Satisfactory (?)
Novelty of Test	Satisfactory (?)
Diagnostic Options	Satisfactory (?)
Disease Mongering	Satisfactory (?)
Evidence	Satisfactory (?)
Quantification of diagnostic accuracy and benefits	Satisfactory (?)
Potential harms of Testing	Satisfactory (?)
Costs of Testing	Satisfactory (?)
Sources of Information	Not Satisfactory (?)
Relies on Press Release	Not Applicable

what we said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

Two new blood tests being developed to replace amniocentesis are discussed in this story which covers all the important aspects around this highly sensitive area. Identifying foetal abnormalities at this stage of a pregnancy allow parents and doctors to make decision in terms of future treatment or terminating pregnancy. Therefore diagnostic accuracy for both false positive and false negatives is essential. The story covers these topics in some detail. It would have enhanced the story to have a local expert provide comment in terms of when the future of this type of testing in Australia.

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