Researchers at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., have begun using an artificial intelligence-powered blood test that can detect fetal heart defects.
Ray Bahdo Singh, MD, lead researcher, cited the minimally invasive nature of the blood test as a first step in creating a postnatal care plan for infants. However, Dr. Singh also warned that more extensive studies are needed to validate the findings, according to an Oct. 18 Beaumont news release.
Currently, ultrasound is the only option for clinicians who want to detect fetal heart conditions.
"Once confirmed, these results could lead to exciting new protocols and, most importantly, improved outcomes for newborns and their families," Dr. Bahado Singh said. "The next steps after a positive test would include performing an echocardiogram prenatally and repeated after birth to confirm the presence and nature of a cardiac defect."