First of its kind rapid point-of-care test for Preeclampsia launched in Hyderabad

Hyderabad Feb 08 2018: First of its kind rapid point-of-care test called Lumella was launched in Hyderabad to facilitate assessment of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

DiabetOmics, a global medical diagnostic company headquartered in Portland, USA has for the first time launched Lumella rapid point of care test for the pregnant women patients in Hyderabad as it is very effective and reliable in the assessment of Preeclampsia.

According to Dr Srinivas Nagalla, Founder and CEO of DiabetOmics Inc Lumella test provides an accurate and reliable estimate of Glycosylated Fibronectin (GlyFN) - a protein biomarker that is elevated in pregnant women with a high risk for developing Preeclampsia. “Lumella is a proprietary test developed by DiabetOmics through extensive research. It uses a simple test strip similar to home pregnancy test kit and a hand-held quantitative reader. The test can be done with a finger prick blood sample and can be done in the physician’s clinic. This innovative, reliable and most effective Lumella test system, has recently received regulatory approval in India,” said Dr. Srinivas Nagalla.

Test results are available in 10 minutes and therefore the assessment can be completed within the same visit of the pregnant woman to consult with her Obstetrician. The test being simple and easy to use enables its adoption in any setting – remote, rural or urban.

Preeclampsia is characterized as a hypertensive disorder, is an undesirable complication in pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the baby. It is a complex disease and affects multiple organs and systems in the pregnant woman, explained Varaprasad Reddy, Chairman of DiabetOmics, while unveiled the new test system.

If not detected early or not managed in time, severe preeclampsia can result in maternal and infant mortality. Preeclampsia generally occurs after the 20th week of gestation and can sometimes occur even a couple of weeks after child birth. In woman with certain high risk conditions, it is known to occur very early on, in the pregnancy.

Globally the incidence rates of Preeclampsia vary from as low as 2 per cent in the developed countries to as high as 18 per cent in parts of Africa. In Latin America, preeclampsia is the major cause of maternal mortality. Ten million women develop preeclampsia each year around the world.

As per National Health Statistics, in India, Preeclampsia is reported to be between 8-10 per cent of the 28 Million pregnancies each year. About 3.5 Million babies are born prematurely in India every year. 45-50% of preterm births are due to unknown causes, 15-20% of these preterm births are due to medically induced or elective pre-term deliveries.