PLGF Implementation - FOI Response Register

Pre-eclampsia is a condition affecting up to one in ten pregnancies, and can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if not monitored and treated. In cases of pre-eclampsia, levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) in the blood can be abnormally low and a sign that the placenta is not developing properly.

1.    Is your Board currently implementing PIGF-based testing to diagnose pre-eclampsia in line with Scottish guidelines?

https://shtg.scot/our-advice/placental-growth-factor-plgf-based-testing-to-help-diagnose-suspected-preterm-pre-eclampsia/

NHS Shetland does not offer PIGF testing.

2.    If this has not been fully implemented what steps are being taken to implement this test and when is full implementation expected?

From an island perspective, our laboratory can't support the implementation of PIGF. To be able to provide this, new analysers would need to be procured and the number of tests we would perform makes this an unviable option.

We explored the possibility of another lab processing our samples and this was also not a not a viable option, due to the turn around time. We continue to use existing testing and monitoring.

We transfer all women with signs of PET to Aberdeen and this process would not change.

3.    If there has been full implementation which assay are you using Roche/Perkin Elmer/Quidell?

N/A

4.    How many PlGF tests do you expect to perform in 2024/25?

See response to Q2

5.    What training has been provided to ensure a smooth implementation?

N/A

6.    What barriers are stopping full implantation?

See response to Q2