We have commented on several occasions that amniocentesis is in danger of extinction. As you know, amiocentesis is an invasive diagnostic test that is performed during pregnancy, so far the most reliable, to detect metabolic and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus such as those that cause Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome or Patau.
However. For some years, non-invasive tests have been developed that consist in extracting the information from the fetal DNA through a simple sample of blood from the mother.
Apparently, so many years of research are paying off and we are getting closer of the end of amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis is a test that is not as safe as they paint it. Although it is currently widespread since there are more and more women over 35 who become mothers, it is a test that has its risks. Minimum, between 0.5% and 1%, but it has them. And who gets an abortion because of an amniocentesis is not a pleasant drink.
The fact is that there are between four and five companies that are about to launch a blood test that will replace amniocentesis. It is believed that the most advanced test, called Sequenom, could be available in the United States in June and in six more months or a year, in Europe.
In Spain there are also several teams working on a similar test, although for now it is believed that a good time will pass until it can reach all pregnant women due to the high costs it would have.
Another important advantage of this test with respect to amniocentesis is that in addition to not involving a risk of abortion, it could be performed from the 7th or 8th week of gestation. Although advantage seen only from one point of view, since from the other, all studies indicate that the decision to interrupt a pregnancy is easier as soon as it is taken.
In short, the truth is that the days are approaching in which to introduce a needle in the gut of the pregnant woman, with the risk that this implies, will be an obsolete practice.
