AQW 52305/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 17/09/2026
Answered On Date: 02/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail when PLGF-based testing for suspected preterm pre-eclampsia will be made available.

Answer:

I support the implementation of placental growth factor (PIGF)-based testing. A business case has been developed and considered by my department and the Public Health Agency (PHA) Women's and Children's Planning Team which has assessed the feasibility of implementing placental growth factor testing regionally. The business case identifies the resources required, associated costs and potential pathways for implementation.

As funding has not yet been confirmed, I am unable to provide a definitive timetable for implementation.

My department continues to operate within a very challenging financial context. However, I remain committed to progressing this work and will provide an update when further information becomes available.