Breakthrough pregnancy blood test sensor detects birth risks earlier

University of Queensland researchers have developed an advanced sensor that can detect pregnancy complications as early as 11 weeks with a simple blood test – well before traditional screening methods.

Currently, most pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, cannot be identified until the second or third trimester, which means it can sometimes be too late for effective intervention.

The research, which was co led by researchers from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and UQ’s Centre for Clinical Research, could help reduce neonatal hospital admissions and save the healthcare system millions each year.

Dr Mostafa Kamal Masud, from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), said the technology was designed to be highly sensitive, scalable, and accessible, paving the way for earlier medical interventions.

“This technology has the potential to significantly impact health care for mothers and their babies,” Dr. Masud said.

“This technology has been developed using nanomaterials to detect low concentrations of biomarkers, which are parts of our cells that show health complications we might be carrying.

“This is what makes our technology more sensitive than current testing methods, and why it can pick up potential pregnancy complications much earlier.

“Once we’ve fully completed out research, we envision this test being widely available in pharmacies and through GP referrals, giving expecting mothers access to crucial health insights much earlier in pregnancy.”

Statistics from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show about 30,000 babies born in Australia each year experience growth and developmental impairments due to pregnancy complications.

Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo from UQ’s Centre for Clinical Research said the sensor was able to detect health complications that usually aren’t picked up until the second or third trimesters.

“During our study we collected blood samples from 201 pregnant women at 11-13 weeks gestation and we detected possible complications, such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia,” Professor Salomon Gallo said.

“These complications during pregnancy can have significant health risks, both in the short term and long-term.

“Currently, most pregnancy complications cannot be identified until the second or third trimester, which means it can sometimes be too late for effective intervention.

“However, with this technology, pregnant women will be able to seek medical intervention much earlier.

“We also found our biosensor has more than 90 per cent accuracy in identifying women at risk of developing pregnancy complications.”

Professor Yusuke Yamauchi from AIBN, said he hoped the sensor would become widely available in pharmacies and through GP referrals.

“Once we’ve fully completed our research, this technology has the potential to significantly impact health care for mothers and their babies,” Professor Yamauchi said.

Professor Gallo Salomon said the technology could save the healthcare system millions annually by reducing neonatal intensive care unit admissions, which cost about $5000-$10,000 per day, and prevent emergency interventions, including caesarean sections which cost about $10,000-$20,000 each.

“This has the potential to revolutionise earlier risk assessment and interventions, improving clinical decision-making in obstetric care,” he said.

The next phase of research will include a large-scale clinical trial involving at least 2000 women, with the aim of bringing this life-changing diagnostic tool to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies worldwide.

The study was a collaboration between UQ’s Centre for Clinical Research, AIBN and Ochsner Medical Centre in New Orleans, with support by National Health and Medical Research Council , Cancer Council Queensland, Yamauchi Materials Space-Tectonics Project and ARC Australian Laureate Fellowship.

The research is published in Science Advances.