Overview: sFlt-1 (Soluble fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-1) TestIntroduction: The sFlt-1 (Soluble fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-1) Test measures sFlt-1 to assess preeclampsia risk in pregnancy, helping diagnose causes of high blood pressure or swelling. Affecting 1 in 25 pregnancies, preeclampsia poses diagnostic challenges due to late onset. Following 2023 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, it uses ELISA for high accuracy, supporting biochemistry screening. This test is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and improving outcomes in obstetrics.
Other Names: sFlt-1 Level Test, Preeclampsia Risk Assay.
FDA Status: FDA-approved test, meeting biochemistry standards for diagnostic reliability.
Historical Milestone: sFlt-1 testing began in the 2000s with research by Levine, who linked it to preeclampsia. ELISA advancements by Roche improved detection, surpassing earlier manual methods.
Purpose: Measures sFlt-1 levels to assess preeclampsia risk, guides monitoring or delivery planning, and evaluates patients with hypertension, aiming to prevent complications.
Test Parameters: sFlt-1 levels
Pretest Condition: No special preparation required. Collect serum or plasma. Report pregnancy history.
Specimen: Serum (SST, 2-5 mL), Plasma (EDTA, 2-4 mL); 2 mL serum in SST. Transport in a biohazard container.
Sample Stability at Room Temperature: 6 hours
Sample Stability at Refrigeration: 1 week
Sample Stability at Frozen: 1 month
Medical History: Document high blood pressure or swelling in pregnancy. Include current medications or prior pregnancies.
Consent: Written consent required, detailing the test's purpose, disease risks (e.g., eclampsia), and sample collection risks.
Procedural Considerations: Uses ELISA to measure levels, requiring labs with plate readers. Results available in 1-2 days. Performed in labs with strict handling.
Factors Affecting Result Accuracy: Sample hemolysis or contamination can affect results. Medications may alter levels, requiring correlation.
Clinical Significance: Elevated levels suggest preeclampsia risk, guiding care. Early intervention might prevent seizures, while untreated cases lead to maternal or fetal death. Normal levels may require monitoring.
Specialist Consultation: Consult an obstetrician for interpretation.
Additional Supporting Tests: Blood pressure monitoring, urine protein, or ultrasound to confirm diagnosis.
Test Limitations: Non-specific for cause; correlation with clinical status needed. False positives possible with other conditions.
References: ACOG Guidelines, 2023; New England Journal of Medicine, Levine RJ, 2022.
