Reference Intervals:
≤ 38 - rule out pre-eclampsia for 1 week (week 24 to week 36 plus 6 days)
>38 - rule in pre-eclampsia within 4 weeks (week 24 to week 36 plus 6 days)


Suspicion of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Pre eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure (hypertension) and proteinuria, which is when the kidneys leak protein into the urine. Either, on its own indicates a risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Other symptoms include headache, visual disturbances, right upper quadrant abdominal (epigastric) pain, oedema (swelling of the hands, face or feet) and oliguria (low urine output).

PLGF will help decide on care (to help rule in or rule out pre clampsia) for people with suspected preterm (between 20 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy). PLGF-based testing may particularly benefit groups at higher risk of severe adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as people from African, Caribbean and Asian family backgrounds.


Additional information on placental growth factor and its clinical use can be found here: PGF.


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