Researchers at
Stanford University have completed a study on a new method of checking for organ rejection in heart transplant recipients. The test, known as the cell free
DNA test, simply measures the amount of the donor's
DNA showing up in the recipient's
blood. As these amounts increase, it indicates the early stages of rejection.
Currently, many heart transplant patients have to endure the invasiveness of a heart biopsy in order to check for rejection. These
biopsies can cause problems of their own, including heart arrhythmia's and valve damage, not to mention the uncomfortableness of the biopsy. What may be even more important, though, is that the new
blood test, could indicate the onset of rejection several months before it would be detected with a biopsy. As with other medical issues, early detection is often vital to successful treatment. Organ rejection is no different.
These findings are great news for heart transplant recipients. To read more of the article on
www.HealthDay.com titled "
"New Blood Test May Help Detect Heart Transplant Rejection", please
click here.
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