A new MBS item number is being sought so GPs and obstetricians can refer all pregnant women for a trio of tests to measure their risk of pre-eclampsia and the need for prophylactic low-dose aspirin.

The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) is considering an application for a ‘structured prenatal risk assessment’, which research has shown can prevent 62% of deliveries for preterm pre-eclampsia.

The RACGP, however, has queried whether “the entire pregnant population” or only those at higher risk need to be screened and called for modelling to be done to address this issue.

The proposed algorithm — used to determine the need for prophylaxis of 150mg aspirin nightly — involves a clinical measurement of maternal mean arterial pressure, a blood test for maternal serum concentration of Placental Growth Factor and ultrasound assessment of uterine artery pulsatility index.