Pre-eclampsia is a potentially serious condition that affects up to 1 in 20 pregnant people, most often after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Diagnosing pre-eclampsia can be difficult because symptoms and signs differ from person to person. Assessment begins during routine pregnancy appointments, when blood pressure is measured and risk factors for pre-eclampsia are checked. Blood tests have been developed to measure placental growth factor (PlGF), a protein that indicates the function of the placenta. The tests are used along with standard clinical assessment.

This health technology assessment looked at how effective and cost-effective PlGF-based biomarker testing is to help diagnose pre-eclampsia. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding PlGF-based biomarker testing and at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with confirmed or suspected pre-eclampsia.