Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the risk of a pregnant woman developing pre-eclampsia. The method comprises i) determining the level of one or more biochemical markers in a sample obtained from a pregnant woman, and ii) comparing the level of the at least one biochemical marker in the sample with the level of the same biochemical marker in a control sample. A difference in the level of the biochemical marker in the sample relative to the control sample is indicative of an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia. The isoform biochemical markers are preferably P1GF-2 and P1GF-3. The present invention relates also to a method for determining whether a pregnant woman has pre-eclampsia and as well as a kit for assessing the risk or presence of pre-eclampsia. In addition, the invention relates also to a computer program used in these determinations.

Abstract: A method and system for utilizing shape analysis to assess fetal abnormality. According to one embodiment, coordinates of points identifying a shape in a fetal image are received, coefficients of one or more mathematical functions that describe the identified shape are determined, and the determined coefficients are utilized as markers to assess fetal abnormality.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing fetal abnormality based on landmarks. According to one embodiment, at least two coordinates are received for each of a plurality of points identifying a configuration of landmarks in a fetal image, and any of the received coordinates of any of the plurality of points are utilized as markers to assess fetal abnormality. According to another embodiment, at least two coordinates are received for each of a plurality of points identifying a configuration of landmarks in a fetal image, and one or more values resulting from a linear combination of any of the received coordinates of any of the plurality of points are utilized as markers to assess fetal abnormality.

Abstract: A method of assessing a pregnant woman's risk of having a fetus with a fetal abnormality by determining the fetus' BPD/OFD ratio and using the BPD/OFD ratio in conjunction with one or more other screening markers for the fetal abnormality. Also provided is a method of determining whether a pregnant woman is screen-positive or screen-negative by comparing the BPD/OFD ratio of the pregnant woman's fetus to a risk cut-off level.

Abstract: A method and system for utilizing shape analysis to assess fetal abnormality. According to one embodiment, coordinates of points identifying a shape in a fetal image are received, coefficients of one or more mathematical functions that describe the identified shape are determined, and the determined coefficients are utilized as markers to assess fetal abnormality.

Abstract: An apparatus for the calibration and quality assurance of a multichannel spectrophotometer, particularly an ELISA spectrophotometer, comprises a series of filters having a known first color and linearly increasing optical density. The response of the spectrophotometer is measured against the known color and linearly increasing optical density. Additional filters of at least one additional color permit checking the color response of the spectrophotmeter. An algorithm determines whether the response conforms to predetermined conditions. An output is produced to provide a record of the calibration and quality assurance of the spectrophotometer. The invention has particular utility for conducting calibration and quality assurance of ELISA spectrophotometers used in clinical laboratory screening for infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B and the AIDS viruses.