Advances in fetal/neonatal diagnostics leads to better treatment, large expenses
Fetal and neonatal monitoring and diagnostics advances have evolved from a mere therapeutic model to a preventive and predictive model on an individual basis that results in more effective and safe therapy, as well as better diagnosis and treatment outcomes, according to new research from Frost & Sullivan.
“While current procedures, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, reveal genetic abnormalities, they are invasive and can cause damage to fetal and maternal tissues and in some cases, miscarriage,” says Sangeetha Prabakar research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “New non-invasive prenatal diagnostics, such as the detection of fetal DNA in maternal blood samples, offer a much safer option for both mother and fetus and in the case of the mother, a pain- and trauma-free process.”
However, non-invasive fetal testing is currently available only as a clinical research tool in select laboratories in developed countries.
Minimally-invasive and wireless handheld biosensors can directly monitor patients’ vital signs and eliminate the need for laboratory testing. Yet, purchasing advanced monitoring equipment accrues massive expenditures for hospitals. The usual preference for hospitals is for a one-time and long-term investment and regular equipment servicing and maintenance to delay replacement as much as possible.
“With ongoing saturation in the commercial product segments and sales of fetal, maternal and neonatal monitoring equipment, companies must focus on developing additional applications and targeting niche segments,” said Prabakar.
“While current procedures, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, reveal genetic abnormalities, they are invasive and can cause damage to fetal and maternal tissues and in some cases, miscarriage,” says Sangeetha Prabakar research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “New non-invasive prenatal diagnostics, such as the detection of fetal DNA in maternal blood samples, offer a much safer option for both mother and fetus and in the case of the mother, a pain- and trauma-free process.”
However, non-invasive fetal testing is currently available only as a clinical research tool in select laboratories in developed countries.
Minimally-invasive and wireless handheld biosensors can directly monitor patients’ vital signs and eliminate the need for laboratory testing. Yet, purchasing advanced monitoring equipment accrues massive expenditures for hospitals. The usual preference for hospitals is for a one-time and long-term investment and regular equipment servicing and maintenance to delay replacement as much as possible.
“With ongoing saturation in the commercial product segments and sales of fetal, maternal and neonatal monitoring equipment, companies must focus on developing additional applications and targeting niche segments,” said Prabakar.