Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology integrates laboratory functions on a chip ranging from a few millimetres to a few square centimetres. The special design of the device allows large volumes of blood to be screened, paving the way for an efficient, cheap and quick method of separating fetal cells from maternal blood cells.  This device could result in a new, non-invasive prenatal diagnostic test able to detect a wide range of genetic abnormalities in early pregnancy from a simple blood sample.

Prenatal diagnostic tests involve an amniocentesis procedure or taking a sample of cells from the placenta (chorionic villus sampling), both of which carry a risk of inducing miscarriage. Many pregnant women would be aware of the new tests based on circulating fetal DNA that - with a simple blood test. LOC technology will be able to reliably detect a greater range of genetic abnormalities, providing more information to families and healthcare providers

Diagnostic Pathology: Open Access has also announced a Special Issue on this theme acknowledging the significance in the Global Scientific Community. The Special Issue is being edited by our honourable Executive Editorial Chair Person Dr. Maria Teresa Mascellino. The Submissions are Open!

Regards,

Matthew Richard
Diagnostic Pathology: Open Access
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