Placental Growth Factor (Plgf) in Lucknow

Placental Growth Factor (Plgf): Price, Purpose, Range & Reports

Test Overview

The Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) test is a vital blood assay used in obstetrics to measure the concentration of a protein that plays a key role in the development and health of the placenta. This test is primarily used to assess the risk of, and aid in the diagnosis of, preeclampsia and to monitor pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR).

PlGF, a naturally occurring protein, is crucial for the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). When the placenta is unhealthy, the balance of growth factors like PlGF shifts, providing doctors with an early biochemical indicator of potential pregnancy complications. If you are searching for a reliable PlGF Test price or a convenient test near me, Apollo 24|7 provides accredited laboratory services with timely collection and secure, fast report access.

What is the PlGF Test?

Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) is a protein belonging to the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family. It is produced primarily by the placenta during pregnancy and stimulates the growth of blood vessels, ensuring adequate blood flow and nutrition to the developing fetus.

The PlGF test measures the level of this protein in the maternal blood sample (serum or plasma). In a healthy pregnancy, PlGF levels typically rise up to the late second trimester before declining toward term.

In conditions like preeclampsia, there is a dysfunction in the placental vasculature. This dysfunction leads to:

• Decreased PlGF Levels: The diseased placenta produces less PlGF.
• Increased Anti-Angiogenic Factors: A protein called soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) increases, which binds to and inactivates the remaining PlGF.

The ratio of sFlt-1 to PlGF is often considered a more powerful predictive tool than PlGF levels alone. This shift in balance can appear weeks before a patient develops the clinical symptoms of preeclampsia (like high blood pressure and protein in the urine).

What is the PlGF Test Price?

The PlGF Test price reflects the specialised immunoassay technology required to accurately measure the small concentrations of this specific growth factor in the blood. The final cost of your test is influenced by several factors:

• Technology Used: Measurement often involves chemiluminescence or ELISA assays, requiring sophisticated equipment and specialised reagents.
• Location and Service: Prices may vary based on geographic location and whether you opt for collection at a lab centre or a convenient home collection service.
• Lab Quality Assurance: Tests conducted at NABL-accredited labs, such as those operated by Apollo, guarantee the high level of precision and quality control necessary for interpreting critical obstetric results.

If you're trying to find the most accurate and affordable Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) Test price near me, the easiest way is to check the Apollo 24|7 website or app. They update prices regularly based on your location, so you’ll always see the latest rates and any available offers.

Who Should Get a PlGF Test Done?

The PlGF test is not a routine screening test for all pregnancies. It is primarily recommended by obstetricians for pregnant women who are at high risk of developing preeclampsia or who have already developed symptoms suggestive of the condition.

Your doctor may recommend this test if:

• You show symptoms of preeclampsia: Such as new-onset high blood pressure, severe headaches, visual disturbances, or protein in the urine, particularly after 20 weeks of gestation.
• You have a history of preeclampsia: Especially in previous pregnancies, which increases the risk of recurrence.
• You have high-risk medical conditions: Including chronic hypertension, kidney disease, Type 1 or 2 diabetes, or an autoimmune disease (like Lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome).
• You have had a multiple pregnancy: Carrying twins, triplets, or more carries an increased risk of placental complications.
• You have suspected Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR): The test can help differentiate FGR due to placental insufficiency from other causes.

This test helps your care team determine the urgency of your condition, guide management decisions, and assess the risk to both mother and baby.

What is the Purpose of the PlGF Test?

The primary purpose of the PlGF test is to improve the prediction, diagnosis, and monitoring of preeclampsia.

Obstetricians recommend the PlGF Test for the following key objectives:

• Preeclampsia Prediction (First Trimester Screening): When used early (often with other markers like PAPP-A) to identify women who have a high risk of developing early-onset preeclampsia.
• Diagnosis and Rule-Out of Preeclampsia: To quickly and reliably confirm or rule out the disease in women presenting with suggestive signs or symptoms during the second or third trimester.
• Risk Stratification: To help determine the severity and prognosis of established or suspected preeclampsia, guiding decisions on hospitalisation and delivery timing.
• Monitoring Fetal Health: To assess placental function in cases of suspected Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR).

Components of the PlGF Test

The test is performed for the measurement of:

• PlGF (Placental Growth Factor): The quantitative concentration of this pro-angiogenic protein found in the maternal bloodstream.

Understanding a PlGF Test Report

Unlike many other lab tests, the interpretation of the PlGF test result is highly dependent on the patient's gestational age (the exact week of pregnancy).

• Reference Range: The normal range for PlGF levels changes dramatically throughout pregnancy, increasing during the second trimester and declining later. The report will typically provide a reference range specific to the week of gestation the blood sample was drawn.

Result Interpretation:

• Low PlGF Level: A PlGF result that falls below the 5th or 10th percentile for that gestational age is considered significantly low and is a strong indicator of placental dysfunction, increasing the risk of preeclampsia or FGR.
• Normal PlGF Level: A result within the expected range helps rule out the immediate onset of preeclampsia and can reassure the care team.
• sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio: Often, a ratio is calculated. A high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is strongly associated with the presence or imminent development of preeclampsia. For example, a ratio over a specific threshold (e.g., >38 in certain tests) may be used to predict preeclampsia in the next one to four weeks.
• Important Note: PlGF levels must always be interpreted by a gynaecologist or obstetrician with expertise in high-risk pregnancy. The results should be combined with clinical symptoms, blood pressure readings, and ultrasound findings to make a complete assessment of maternal and fetal well-being.

Preparation and Procedure for PlGF Test

The procedure is simple and requires only a standard blood draw.

1. How is the Test Done?

The PlGF test is performed via a simple venous blood draw, which takes only a few minutes. A phlebotomist will clean a site on your arm (usually the inner elbow), insert a sterile needle to collect the required amount of blood into a specific blood collection tube, and then apply pressure to the site. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory, where the serum or plasma is analysed using highly sensitive automated immunoassay equipment to accurately measure the concentration of the Placental Growth Factor.

2. Is Fasting Required for This Test?

No, fasting is not required for the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) Test. Food and drink do not interfere with the measurement of this growth factor.

3. What Time of the Day Should I Undergo the Test?

You can undergo this test at any time of the day.

4. How Frequently Should I Undergo the Test?

The frequency is determined by your obstetrician based on your risk factors, symptoms, and the need for serial monitoring. If initial results are borderline or abnormal, the test may be repeated within a short period (e.g., weekly) to monitor the trend.

Booking PlGF Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 simplifies the process of obtaining this critical diagnostic test, allowing you to schedule your collection and access your results securely online, ensuring timely communication with your doctor.

A. What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

1. Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF).
2. Confirm the latest PlGF Test price for your city and click the 'Book Now' button.
3. Select your preferred date and a convenient time slot for home collection.
4. Complete the secure online payment. Confirmation details and preparation reminders will be sent instantly.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

1. Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account using your registered phone number or email.
2. Navigate to the 'Health Records' or 'My Reports' section on the dashboard.
3. Click on your completed test name to view the detailed report immediately.
4. You can easily view the entire report online or download it in PDF format to share with your physician.

Conclusion

The Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) test serves as a crucial biochemical indicator for placental health, providing obstetricians with an early, non-invasive method to assess the risk of severe complications like preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR). By quantifying this key protein, the test offers essential insight into placental function, enabling personalised and timely intervention strategies that can significantly improve maternal and fetal outcomes. It is vital to remember that because PlGF levels are unique to each week of gestation, the result must always be interpreted by a specialist who integrates the finding with the patient's specific clinical profile, symptoms, and other diagnostic data.