METHOD OF GENETIC TESTING

摘要

Elevated levels of Inhibin-A in maternal serum or plasma have been shown to indicate the presence of Down's Syndrome. The assay method comprises the use of a monoclonal antibody specific for at least part of the Inhibin-A .beta. sub-unit (.beta.A), and another monoclonal antibody specific for at least part of the Inhibin-A sub-unit. The .beta.A antibody is used to capture Inhibin-A from the test sample, and the .alpha. sub-unit antibody is used as the detection antibody and is linked to a detectable marker. The method is carried out in the first or second trimester as a screening test to select patients for subsequent diagnostic testing.