According to a new study, using DNA test for Down's syndrome could potentially save the lives of unborn babies in the UK.

Experts said that if the NHGS starts offering DNA test for Down's syndrome to pregnant women, it could save the lives of unborn babies and also reduce the dependency on invasive tests. Presently, the risk of women carrying a baby with the Down's syndrome is determined by an assessment of her age, the level of hormones in her blood and the results of a 'nuchal scan' that measures the fluid collection at the unborn baby's neck.

The research study was led byProfessor KyprosNicolaides,who works as theDirector of the Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine at King's College Hospital and Professor of Fetal Medicine at King's College London. The study showed that a large number of women with high risk for carrying a baby with Down's syndrome opted for DNA test compared to those asking for an invasive test. Researchers said that 60 per cent of the women in the study opted for cell-free DNA test compared to 38 per cent asking for an invasive test.

Professor KyprosNicolaides said: "Our research puts the case for offering the cell-free DNA test on the NHS. This would improve the performance of screening, and reduce the number of unnecessary invasive tests and miscarriages."

The study was published in the Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology journal on 27 October, 2015.