Cell-free fetal DNA tests are one of the most exciting new prenatal screening tools available to pregnant women. And they could change the way genetic screening is done in the future.

Find out what these tests can tell you, if youre a candidate, and why it might not give you all the answers you need.

A non-invasive, no-risk, simple blood test

In less than two years, four companies in the United States have rolled out cell-free fetal DNA tests: Ariosa Diagnostics Harmony, Nateras Panorama, Verinatas Verifi and Sequenoms MaterniT21.

Unlike amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which are invasive and carry risks, a cell-free fetal DNA test is a simple blood test. The test can also be done early on in pregnancy at around 10 weeks and results are available within seven to 10 business days. All four companies also tout a nearly 100 percent accuracy rate.

What do they screen for?

Cell-free fetal DNA tests screen for Trisomy 13, 18, and 21. Also known as Down syndrome, Trisomy 21 affects one in every 691 babies in the United States, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. Some tests also screen for more obscure conditions like Turner and Triploid syndromes, and can even determine the babys sex.

The cost of the test runs anywhere from $800 to $2,000, and more insurance companies are covering the test. The availability of each test varies from state to state.

A good option for a high-risk pregnancy

In December 2012, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine issued a committee opinion endorsing cell-free fetal DNA tests. But they noted that it should be the womans choice to get the test after genetic counseling, and it shouldnt be part of the routine prenatal tests.

Read the rest here:
New Prenatal Genetic Tests

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