Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PlGF Test, Placental Growth Factor Test, sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio Test, Pre-eclampsia Marker Test, Human Placental Growth Factors Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum or plasma) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | Same day to within 24 hours (may vary by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | Pregnant women (typically between 20 and 35 weeks of gestation) with suspected pre-eclampsia or at high risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,500 |
What is a Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test?
The placental growth factor PIGF test is a blood test that measures the level of a protein called placental growth factor (PlGF) in a pregnant woman's blood. PlGF supports healthy blood vessel development in the placenta, and abnormal levels can signal placental problems. Doctors typically order this test, also known as the pre-eclampsia marker test or the Flt-1/PlGF ratio test, when they suspect a pregnant woman may be developing pre-eclampsia. A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.
What Does a Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test Measure?
This test analyses specific proteins in the blood that reflect how well the placenta is functioning. Here are the key markers measured:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) | A protein that promotes healthy blood vessel growth in the placenta; low levels suggest placental dysfunction |
| sFlt-1 (Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) | A protein that blocks blood vessel growth; high levels can damage blood vessel linings and contribute to pre-eclampsia |
| sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio | The balance between these two proteins; a high ratio indicates the placenta is not functioning normally |
Why is a Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test Done?
This test is ordered when a pregnant woman shows signs that her placenta may not be working as it should. It helps doctors assess risk quickly and make informed care decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Persistent headaches that do not ease with rest
- Visual changes such as blurred vision, flashing lights, or seeing spots
- Unusual swelling of the face and hands
- Nausea and vomiting in the later stages of pregnancy
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Proteinuria (protein in urine)
- Reduced fetal movements
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Pre-eclampsia: A serious condition marked by high blood pressure and organ involvement, most often developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): A condition where the baby is not growing as expected due to poor placental blood supply
- Placental dysfunction: Inadequate functioning of the placenta that can lead to complications for both mother and baby
- HELLP syndrome: A severe complication involving the breakdown of red blood cells, raised liver enzymes, and a low platelet count
Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test During Pregnancy
The PlGF test is an important tool in managing pregnancy when pre-eclampsia is suspected. In a healthy pregnancy, PlGF levels are low in the first trimester, rise gradually, peak around 30 weeks, and then decline. Testing is recommended between 20 weeks and 34 weeks and 6 days of gestation to help rule out or confirm pre-eclampsia, and forms part of the clinical assessment alongside blood pressure monitoring and urine testing.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The preparation for this test is simple, and the procedure itself is quick and straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test and have it done at any time of day.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Avoid receiving intravenous heparin (a blood-thinning medication) for at least 24 hours before sample collection
- Inform your doctor or the phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking
- Wear loose clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily
- Drink enough water beforehand, as good hydration makes blood collection more comfortable
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and identify a suitable vein, usually inside the elbow.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A sterile needle is used to draw a small amount of blood into the appropriate collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the site for a minute or two.
- The sample is labelled and packaged for transport to the laboratory.
- At the lab, the serum or plasma is analysed using automated immunoassay equipment to measure PlGF and, where ordered, sFlt-1 levels.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Gestational age at the time of testing (PlGF levels change naturally throughout pregnancy)
- Heparin given through a drip within 24 hours before sample collection
- Delays in sample processing or incorrect storage conditions
- Whether the pregnancy involves one baby or multiple babies (twins or triplets may have different reference ranges)
- Underlying kidney problems, which can affect how PlGF is cleared from the blood
Understanding Your Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed alongside clinical findings, blood pressure readings, and urine protein levels. The values below are general reference points used by laboratories.
| Parameter | Range | Unit | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlGF (20 to 34+6 weeks) | 100 or above | pg/mL | Normal placental function |
| PlGF (low) | Below 100 | pg/mL | Possible placental dysfunction |
| PlGF (very low) | Below 12 | pg/mL | Significant concern; requires review |
| Flt-1/PlGF Ratio (rule out pre-eclampsia) | 38 or below | Ratio | Pre-eclampsia is unlikely in the next week |
| sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio (early-onset pre-eclampsia) | Above 85 | Ratio | Consistent with early-onset pre-eclampsia |
| sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio (late-onset pre-eclampsia) | Above 110 | Ratio | Consistent with late-onset pre-eclampsia |
| sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio (high risk, severe features) | 40 or above | Ratio | High risk of progression within two weeks |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your gestational age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
- Because PlGF is filtered through the kidneys, reduced kidney function can cause PlGF levels to appear higher than expected. Doctors may use adjusted thresholds in such cases.
- Women carrying twins or triplets may have naturally different PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio values compared with those carrying a single baby.
- Research shows that median sFlt-1/PlGF ratio values can differ across ethnic groups, which doctors may take into account when interpreting results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is specific to pregnancy, the following general habits support healthy placental function:
- Attend all scheduled antenatal check-ups so that blood pressure and urine are monitored regularly
- Report any new symptoms, such as headaches, visual changes, or unusual swelling, to your doctor promptly
- Follow the diet and activity guidance provided by your obstetrician throughout pregnancy
Lupin Diagnostics Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test Price and Home Collection
The placental growth factor PIGF test is available at Lupin Diagnostics, with prices starting at approximately ₹2,500, and home sample collection is available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹2,500 |
| Bhopal | ₹2,500 |
| Bangalore | ₹2,500 |
| Chennai | ₹2,500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹2,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹2,800 |
| Pune | ₹2,500 |
| Guwahati | ₹2,700 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Home collection for the PlGF test is available across major cities, making it especially convenient for pregnant women who find travel difficult. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Digital reports are shared directly with you, so there is no need to collect a physical copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PlGF test measures placental growth factor in the blood to assess how well the placenta is functioning. It is primarily used to help predict or rule out pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ complications.
This test is recommended for women between 20 and 34 weeks and 6 days of gestation who have any symptoms suggesting pre-eclampsia, such as raised blood pressure, persistent headaches, or visual disturbances. Your doctor will advise you on the right time based on your individual situation.
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment, and the test can be done at any time of day.
Low PlGF levels in the blood suggest that placental development may be abnormal. This can occur before the clinical signs of pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction become apparent, making it a useful early warning marker. Your doctor will interpret the result in the context of your overall clinical picture.
The Flt-1/PlGF ratio test measures the balance between two proteins in the blood. A ratio of 38 or below makes it very unlikely that pre-eclampsia will develop within the next week, with a negative predictive value of 99.3%. A ratio above 38 indicates a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia within the following four weeks.
No, this test is not intended as a stand-alone diagnostic tool. It should be used alongside blood pressure measurements, urine protein tests, and a full clinical assessment by your doctor. It helps inform decisions but does not replace overall clinical evaluation.
Yes, home collection is available, which is particularly helpful for pregnant women who may find it uncomfortable or inconvenient to visit a laboratory. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home at a time that suits you.
Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
