Doctors develop 'transformational' new DNA test for Down's syndrome
by Ian Sample Science editor from on (#37ESW)
New test more accurate than current screening in detecting Down's, Edwards and Patau syndromes and could simplify screening process, say researchers
Doctors have developed a more accurate test for Down's syndrome and two rarer genetic disorders that are so serious the children often die soon after birth.
UK hospitals that adopted the test as part of a medical project found that it picked up nearly all affected pregnancies and slashed the number of women who wrongly tested positive, sparing them the anxiety of needless follow-up tests.