DHAKA, June 14, 2022 (BSS) - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) today launched a testing to detect chromosomal and genetic disorder in fetus during the first three months of pregnancy period of mother to prevent birth of autistic and disabled babies.

 
"Such type of testing has been launched for the first time in Bangladesh to detect chromosomal and genetic disorder in fetus during pregnancy period of mother, which will combat the risk of autism and other disabilities in newborns," BSMMU VC Professor Dr. Md. Sharfuddin Ahmed told at a function here.

The inaugural function of fetus disorder testing was held at Shahid Dr Milon Hall of BSMMU, a press release said.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BSMMU along with Department of Radiology and Imaging and Department of Fetomaternal Medicine will perform the testing in a combined manner for chromosomal and genetic disorder in fetus during the first three months of pregnancy period of mother.

Physicians of different departments of the university, among others, also addressed the inaugural function.

BSMMU VC said, "We can detect down syndrome and other genetic disorders of babies, if this test is performed within 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy period of mother."

"It means we can now prevent birth of babies with autism, down-syndrome and other genetic disorders," he added.