NICOSIA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Cypriot geneticists have reported a non-invasive Down's Syndrome test that could possibly replace the risky amniocentesis procedure now in use.

A team of researchers at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics reported in Nature Medicine journal that the new test involves only a small quantity of blood taken from the mother's arm, which is analyzed to detect DNA differences between the mother and the fetus.

Philippos Patsalis, medical director of the institute, said Tuesday the new method eliminates dangers involved with amniocentesis testing, which involves sampling amniotic fluid by inserting a hollow needle into the mother's uterus.

At present, only women belonging to high risk groups, including older women, are tested for Down's Syndrome, which is the most common genetic cause of mental retardation.

Patsalis, who led the study, said the new method would be made available to the medical community after clinical tests are concluded world-wide on 1,000 women within two years.