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Omega-3 Test & Treat Program
Project Stats
- 35,000+Tests Performed
The Omega‑3 Test & Treat Program, developed in partnership by SAHMRI and SA Pathology, is delivering measurable, system‑wide change in maternity care in South Australia.
What began as research has been successfully translated into routine practice, embedding omega‑3 testing directly into pregnancy care workflows across the state, closing the gap between evidence and clinical care.
The program is now transitioning from research delivery to full health system ownership in South Australia, establishing a sustainable, service‑led model of preterm birth prevention.
The program delivers a simple but powerful solution: a free, early‑pregnancy blood test that accurately identifies women with low omega‑3 levels and provides targeted, evidence‑based supplementation advice to reduce their risk of early preterm birth.
By integrating testing into existing pathology and antenatal screening infrastructure, the program ensures consistent, equitable access for pregnant women across metropolitan, rural, and Aboriginal health services.
Preventing early preterm birth (birth before 34 weeks gestation) is crucial to improve infant health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs associated with premature births, and alleviate the emotional and physical burden on families.
The Omega‑3 Test & Treat Program is delivering real‑world impact by translating high‑quality evidence into routine maternity care and driving system‑level change in the prevention of early preterm birth.
Key achievements include:
As the program transitions to full health system ownership in South Australia and prepares for national scale up, HTSA plays a critical role in enabling system level research translation through advocacy, connection and facilitation—supporting governance, partnerships and sustained adoption at scale.
As a HTSA Flagship project, HTSA has also provided funding, training, consumer engagement support and translation advice for the project throughout.
“Without the support and involvement of HTSA, the project would not have advanced at the rate that it has and would not have changed the guideline.”
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South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
North Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
PO Box 11060
Adelaide SA 5001
We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide region, we recognise the Kaurna peoples cultural, spiritual, physical and emotional connection with their land.
We honour and pay our respects to Kaurna elders, both past and present, and all generations of Kaurna people, now and into the future.
