SAHMRI and SA Pathology partnership eyes national expansion to prevent preterm birth
17 Nov 2025
SAHMRI and SA Pathology have committed to continuing their partnership that is aiming to reduce the incidence and burden of preterm birth for families in South Australia and beyond.
Since 2021, the partnership has embedded omega-3 testing of pregnant women within routine antenatal care in SA, helping identify those with low status whose risk of preterm birth can be reduced with targeted supplementation.
Omega-3 Test-and-Treat Program (O3TTP) Leader Dr Karen Best says this is a prime example of how research can move into clinical practice to make a real difference for families.
“More than a decade ago, SAHMRI researchers discovered that omega-3 fatty acids are a factor in determining the risk of preterm birth,” she said.
“Since then, further research has found a way to test the level of omega-3 in blood, with a suitable supplementation regime recommended to those who are low to reduce the risk of their baby arriving too soon.”
A significant publication in the Medical Journal of Australia confirmed that the O3TTP can effectively be embedded into routine antenatal care in a way that is scalable for broad implementation.
SA Pathology’s Directorate Manager, Genetics and Molecular Pathology, David Cox says the next phase of the partnership with SAHMRI aims to strengthen the program in SA while expanding implementation nationally.
“For SA Pathology, this collaboration reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based diagnostic services that support maternal health,” he said.
“We aim to engage with health and research organisations across Australia to explore future pathways for access, including consideration of Medicare Benefits Schedule listing.”
More than 30,000 pregnant women have had their omega-3 levels tested since SA Pathology added this option to its standard South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal Screening (SAMSAS). Those identified as having low omega-3 are recommended targeted supplementation to reduce their risk of preterm birth.
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SAHMRI is located on Kaurna Country. We pay respects to the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to embracing knowledge and culture as we continue our working journey to incorporate Aboriginal health research across all of our themes and further reconciliation.
Read more"Tirki nguta tappa tangka marninithi"
(Learning and knowledge are the pathway to alter the mind)
- Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien, Kaurna Elder
