Detection of Mental Retardation with Blood Test

Scientists continue to develop test methods to detect any abnormalities or Mental Retardation in the fetus. The newest is a blood test to determine chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

Blood tests are simple in nature, it is expected that one day could replace invasive tests detect Mental Retardation. Currently, the test method used is amniocentesis, which is taking action in small amounts of amniotic fluid using a needle through the abdominal wall of pregnant women. It's just that the test could pose a risk of miscarriage.


The latest test was introduced scientists from the Netherlands is part of a series of checks to detect a specific point in the chromosome. Actually, the same technique used with amniocentesis test, which checks the DNA sample. However, this blood test has the advantage because of non-invasive, easy, and does not pose a risk to the fetus.

Although only the initial test phase, so far the research team has successfully identified the Y chromosome or male chromosomes in fetal blood samples taken from his mother. This technique proves this test went well.

The researchers are now developing tests to look for the existence of excess chromosome that experienced by the children down syndrome. Tests will be performed on pregnant women who have high risk, there is a history of congenital abnormalities, and have done a pregnancy test.

When the results of blood test has proven accurate, the researchers hope that within a few years ahead of all pregnant women can do this test as a routine pregnancy test because this test is relatively cheap price.

At present the accuracy of this test a new 80 percent because of the negative test results, but geneticists are trying to improve the accuracy of this test.

Currently in various laboratories around the world are being developed various test methods to detect various abnormalities and fetal defects without an invasive test.