RESEARCH PROJECT

Universidad Andrés Bello

Low T4 Hormone Detection Kit 

A self-administered test for detecting low levels of T4 hormone during pregnancy. There is an important correlation between hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy, and the appearance of neurodevelopmental disorders in the newborn. Therefore, it is highly advisable to keep records of the levels of T4 hormone during the first months of pregnancy. The test consists of a device, similar to a pregnancy test, that indicates T4 levels below the safe range, enabling time-bound action in case the levels are too low. 

– Clinical monitoring of hypothyroxinemia (low levels of T4 hormone in the blood) during pregnancy, enabling early detection and action through hormone supplementation. 

– Clinical monitoring of hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormones) in pregnancy. 

– If the deficiency is detected early and the necessary precautions taken, it can help prevent neurodevelopmental disorders in infants. 

Approximately 4 million pregnancies are registered in the USA each year. A potential market of US$ 120 million is estimated for devices used once a month during the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy. In addition, the costs associated with caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit disorder, amounts to an extra US$ 4700 per child each year (Robb et al. 2011). Helping prevent 5% would imply an estimated market of US$ 235 million per year. 

TRL-4, proof of concept  

Claudia Riedel, PhD. 
claudia.riedel@unab.cl