Placental Growth Factor

Pregnancy

Report in 120Hrs

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No Fasting Required

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Angiogenic factor measurement.

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Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) Test Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Measures placental growth factor (PlGF), a protein produced by the placenta during pregnancy that is essential for normal placental development and blood vessel formation
- Screens for and helps diagnose preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly in symptomatic pregnant women
- Identifies risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and other placental insufficiency complications
- Performed during second and third trimester, typically between 20-34 weeks of gestation in pregnant women with clinical symptoms or risk factors
- Used to assess urgency of delivery decisions and maternal-fetal risk stratification in complicated pregnancies
Normal Range
- Normal PlGF levels: Generally >10-12 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter) depending on gestational age and laboratory reference ranges
- Low PlGF (<10 pg/mL): Indicates abnormal placental development and increased risk for preeclampsia, IUGR, and adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Interpretation units: Picograms per milliliter (pg/mL); test typically performed using immunoassay or electrochemiluminescence methods
- Gestational age-specific reference ranges: PlGF levels naturally vary by trimester and week of gestation; laboratories provide trimester-specific cutoff values
- Normal results suggest low immediate risk of preeclampsia; abnormal (low) results warrant further investigation and closer clinical monitoring
Interpretation
- Low PlGF (<10 pg/mL): Associated with placental insufficiency, increased risk of preeclampsia within 4 weeks, fetal growth restriction, and need for intensive monitoring or early delivery consideration
- Very low PlGF (<3 pg/mL): Indicates very high risk for imminent preeclampsia, severe IUGR, or other severe placental complications; warrants immediate clinical intervention
- Normal PlGF (>10-12 pg/mL): Suggests appropriate placental development; low risk for preeclampsia and placental complications; reassuring prognostic indicator
- Factors affecting interpretation:
  - Gestational age at testing (PlGF levels vary by trimester)
  - Maternal characteristics (chronic hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disease, obesity)
  - Singleton versus multiple gestation pregnancies
  - Laboratory methodology and reference ranges used
  - Clinical symptoms present at time of testing
- Clinical significance: PlGF/sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) ratio provides better predictive value than PlGF alone; ratio <38 indicates higher preeclampsia risk
Associated Organs
- Primary organ system: Placenta (primary source of PlGF production); maternal-fetal vascular system and endothelium
- Medical conditions associated with abnormal results:
  - Preeclampsia (including gestational hypertension progressing to preeclampsia)
  - Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and fetal growth retardation
  - Placental insufficiency and abnormal placental development
  - Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome
  - Eclampsia and severe hypertensive emergencies in pregnancy
  - Recurrent pregnancy loss and implantation failure
  - Antiphospholipid syndrome with obstetric complications
- Potential complications associated with abnormal results:
  - Maternal hypertension, kidney dysfunction, pulmonary edema, stroke
  - Fetal and neonatal complications: intrauterine death, prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, neurological injury
  - Placental abruption and maternal hemorrhage
  - Coagulopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
  - Need for early delivery with associated risks of prematurity
Follow-up Tests
- Recommended complementary tests:
  - Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) level; PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio calculation for enhanced risk stratification
  - Blood pressure monitoring and measurement; home blood pressure monitoring
  - Urinalysis and 24-hour urine protein quantification for proteinuria assessment
  - Complete blood count (CBC) with platelet assessment
  - Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) including liver and kidney function tests
  - Obstetric ultrasound for fetal biometry, amniotic fluid assessment, umbilical artery Doppler studies
- Further investigations based on results:
  - If low PlGF (<10 pg/mL): Repeat testing in 1 week; fetal heart rate monitoring; consideration for corticosteroids if delivery anticipated
  - If very low PlGF (<3 pg/mL): Immediate obstetric consultation; continuous fetal monitoring; preparation for delivery
  - Advanced Doppler ultrasound studies including middle cerebral artery, umbilical vein studies if indicated
  - Thrombophilia testing if recurrent pregnancy loss documented
- Monitoring frequency:
  - Normal results: Routine obstetric follow-up; repeat testing not immediately necessary unless new symptoms develop
  - Low PlGF: Weekly repeat testing and close clinical monitoring; more frequent appointments; twice-weekly fetal monitoring
  - Very low PlGF: Daily monitoring or hospitalization depending on clinical stability
Fasting Required?
- Fasting requirement: No - Fasting is NOT required for the Placental Growth Factor test
- Sample collection: Blood draw from antecubital vein using standard phlebotomy technique; serum or plasma specimen collected in appropriate tube specified by laboratory
- Special instructions:
  - No dietary restrictions; patient may eat and drink normally before test
  - No medication adjustments required for PlGF testing specifically
  - Pregnant patient should remain seated for 5-10 minutes before blood draw if possible; take time to ensure comfort
  - Specimen must be processed and analyzed promptly or frozen for appropriate storage if testing is delayed
  - Timing of test can be performed at any time of day; no specific time restrictions
  - Inform healthcare provider of all medications being taken; antihypertensive drugs do not require discontinuation

How our test process works!