Redcliffe Labs' Novel Research: Penta Marker Test Improves Pregnancy Risk Screening with 36% Lesser False Positives and Enabling Early Detection of Pre-Eclampsia
Novel Research unveils Penta Marker Screening to identify risk of pre-eclampsia and chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester.
The research also highlights that the Penta Marker Test delivers results within 3 days, eliminating the need for a confirmatory test—unlike other prenatal screening methods that require over 3 weeks for a conclusive diagnosis.
Penta Marker test is a cost-effective solution that minimizes reliance on expensive and invasive procedures like amniocentesis, which carries a small but significant risk of miscarriage.
The research paper was published in the International Journal of Scientific Research.
Redcliffe Labs, a purpose-driven pan-India omnichannel diagnostics service provider, has unveiled the findings of a pioneering research study on prenatal screening, revealing that penta marker screening significantly improves the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of early pregnancy risk screening. The study, "Advancing Prenatal Care: The Role Of Penta Marker In The First Trimester Aneuploidy Screening," was published in the International Journal of Scientific Research. It demonstrates that penta marker screening reduces false positive results by 36% compared to traditional first-trimester screening methods.
The study was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Ankur Jindal, Department of Cytogenetics, National Reference Laboratory, Redcliffe Labs, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Krishan Kumar, Department of Clinical Biochemistry And Special Assays, National Reference Laboratory, Redcliffe Labs, Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Prenatal screening plays a critical role in the early detection of genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome, which can significantly impact a child’s health. Since these conditions are not curable, timely and accurate diagnosis is essential to help parents make informed decisions and enable doctors to manage potential complications. Traditional first-trimester screening methods rely on two blood markers (beta-hCG and PAPP-A) alongside an ultrasound (Nuchal Translucency). However, this approach is often associated with a high rate of false positives, leading to unnecessary anxiety and invasive follow-up procedures. Second-trimester tests, such as the Triple Marker Test, generally have lower accuracy and are conducted later in pregnancy, further limiting early intervention opportunities.
In its research, Redcliffe Labs explored the potential of enhancing the conventional screening approach by adding three additional biomarkers: AFP, PLGF, and Inhibin-A. This improved method, penta marker screening, demonstrated greater accuracy in identifying high-risk pregnancies, reduced false positive results, and offered notable advantages in terms of speed and affordability.
As part of the study, a cohort of 1,159 pregnant women samples was screened, with samples collected between 11-13+6 weeks of gestation for aneuploidy detection. The Penta Marker Test demonstrated enhanced accuracy in detecting high-risk pregnancies. In the cohort of 1,159 pregnant women, the conventional screening method identified 17 women as high-risk for genetic abnormalities. With the application of the Penta Marker Test, only 11 women were classified as high-risk, reflecting a significant 36% reduction in false positives. This improvement minimizes unnecessary anxiety and invasive follow-up procedures for expecting parents.
Additionally, the research highlighted that the penta marker screening can detect early signs of pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication. Early identification allows healthcare providers to initiate preventive interventions, such as administering aspirin, which can significantly improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Another critical advantage observed was the reduced need for invasive procedures. Lower false positives mean fewer referrals for diagnostic tests like amniocentesis, which carries a small risk of miscarriage. This ultimately provides a safer and less stressful experience for expecting parents.
A standout advantage of the Penta Marker Test is its swift turnaround time of just 3 days—far quicker than conventional screenings that often require an additional confirmatory diagnosis, stretching the process beyond 3 weeks. By eliminating the need for prolonged waiting and costly follow-ups, this test empowers doctors with timely insights, ensuring faster clinical decisions and early interventions when they matter most.
Dr. Ankur Jindal, Consultant Cytogenetics, Redcliffe Labs, said, “ Our study represents a breakthrough in prenatal screening. The penta marker screening not only enhances the accuracy of genetic risk assessment but also alleviates parental anxiety and enables better pregnancy management. It's rapid turnaround and affordability make it particularly suitable for routine prenatal care.”
Aditya Kandoi , CEO and Founder of Redcliffe Labs, emphasized the study's broader impact, “At Redcliffe Labs, we are dedicated to advancing diagnostic research to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes. Our findings reaffirm the potential of penta marker screening to revolutionize prenatal care, ensuring safer pregnancies while making accurate screening accessible and affordable for all.”
In addition to its clinical benefits, the penta marker screening was found to be a cost-effective alternative to conventional screening methods. Its affordability makes advanced prenatal testing more accessible to a broader segment of the population, thereby promoting equitable maternal healthcare.