A new diagnostic test to predict when a pregnant woman will start labour

With assistance from Commercialisation Australia, this project will determine the commercial viability of a new diagnostic test to predict when a pregnant woman will commence labour.

Upon successful completion of the project, the technology will be ready to be licensed to a leading diagnostic company to take the necessary steps to launch the new product on the market.

Professor Roger Smith, of The University of Newcastle, conceived the original hypothesis that the ratio of particular estrogens controls the onset of labour. His academic research confirmed this hypothesis and found that by developing a diagnostic kit to measure the ratio of these hormones, it would be possible to predict the onset of labour in pregnant women.  Although developing a hormone based point of care test is an incremental innovation, use of the ratio of particular estrogens will provide a definitive test beyond all existing measurements that obstetricians use currently, so the product represents radical innovation in clinical practice.

Understanding whether a woman is close to labour will have a significant impact on time and cost, enabling the best management of that woman and her baby. Currently, around 20% of women who are subjected to induction of labour do not respond to this treatment and ultimately have to progress to a caesarean section.  Each unnecessary induction costs the healthcare system thousands of dollars and is often distressing to the patient. By testing women before commencing induction, obstetricians would be able to distinguish women who will respond from those who should proceed immediately to a caesarean section, saving time, money and unnecessary distress.