Posts Tagged ‘blood test’

The BT Test, or Biomarker Translation Test, is a blood test marketed by Provista Life Sciences for the early detection of breast cancer. The test can detect breast cancer-related proteins in the blood and, in conjunction with mammograms, can sometimes assist physicians in detecting breast cancer in women who have a high risk of breast cancer, or those with dense breast tissue that can make mammography difficult. Provista announced this week that it will file private insurance claims on behalf of women who take the test, in addition to covering the remainder of the cost not covered by insurance.  Those who do not want to submit an insurance claim can get the test done for $295.

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Stanford University researchers have developed a blood test to determine whether a woman’s unborn child has Down syndrome, a genetic condition that occurs when a baby has three, rather than two, copies of chromosome 21. Currently, there are screening blood tests used to determine the likelihood that a child has Down syndrome – but they are usually performed between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. Amniocentesis can diagnose Down syndrome, but it can potentially cause an abortion. The Stanford test is diagnostic and can be done much earlier at 10 weeks, allowing parents to make more informed decisions about their pregnancy. The new test has yet to go into large trial testing. However, Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, says “There is no question that these non-invasive tests will be introduced in the next few years.  Full story. Share your opinion.

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