newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A new test developed by researchers at Columbia University in New York City could help pregnant women know if their growing fetus is at increased risk of miscarriage.
This test, called Short-read Transpore Rapid Karyotyping (STORK), is less expensive and less time consuming than using samples collected from standard prenatal tests.
Samples are obtained from tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.
Gestational diabetes is on the rise: Here are some nutritional tips for prevention and treatment
The study is led by scientists at the Columbia University Fertility Center and Columbia University Irving Medical Center and is supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Currently pending approval from the New York State Department of Health, the test detects extra or missing chromosomes.
“Overall, this study shows that STORK is comparable to standard laboratory tests and offers many advantages,” the NIH said in a press release.
“STORK is faster, delivering results in hours instead of days,” said the NIH.
“The research team also estimates the cost of STORK at less than $50 per sample when 10 samples are run simultaneously, or up to $200 when samples are run alone. We don’t have to send it to the lab.”
According to HealthDay News, it can also be used to evaluate embryos produced by in vitro fertilization before implantation.
A Connecticut wife and mother who experienced one miscarriage told Fox News Digital:
“For example, if this test determines that you are at high risk of miscarriage, you may take time off from work or reassess your commitments outside of work and home,” she added.
Experts warn that prenatal screening can lead to false-positive results in some cases
Current prenatal genetic tests cost thousands of dollars and can take days or weeks to produce results, adding to the emotional and financial stress of fertility treatments and pregnancy. eMedNews points out.
Genetic testing is currently recommended only if a person has had multiple miscarriages, but STORK can be offered after a single miscarriage, the same outlet reports.
According to Science Daily, Zev Williams, M.D., Ph.D., one of the study’s leaders, said:
News anchor parents go viral with ‘Baby News Network’ video of 6-week-old daughter
Williams is Associate Professor of Women’s Health and Chair of the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility at Columbia University.
“Our hope is that this test will help improve women’s health, reduce costs and improve access to treatment.
According to the NIH, after testing 218 samples, STORK was found to be 98-100% accurate. In another set of 60 samples, STORK was 100% in agreement with standard clinical trial results.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Connecticut mom said she welcomes anything that can help ease her “miscarriage grief.”
“I can’t imagine a woman who has had to endure multiple miscarriages,” she said. hoping.”
The study’s authors say that storks “could be particularly useful in identifying genetic causes of miscarriage.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“Currently, professional societies only recommend genetic testing if a person has had multiple miscarriages, but simple, cost-effective tests like STORK are offered after the first miscarriage. STORK can also be used to streamline the IVF process,” said an NIH press release.
It further adds, “More work is needed to validate storks, but if results remain promising, storks may improve the quality of reproductive health care.”