Fetal DNA test

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is an innovative form of cell-free fetal DNA testing that allows for early detection of the most common fetal aneuploidies in at-risk pregnant women, including Patau Syndrome (trisomy 13), Edwards' Syndrome (trisomy 18), and Down Syndrome (trisomy 21). Although traditional, invasive fetal DNA tests such as amniocentesis are among the most-prescribed diagnostic procedures, associated risks including fetal loss are a strong source of patient trepidation. Healthcare providers now have the option of prescribing non-invasive fetal DNA tests whose accuracy rates exceed 99%. In many cases, these allow patients to avoid invasive sampling, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes.

The fetal DNA screening kit developed byEurofins Biomnis presents zero risk to the fetus and allows healthcare providers, in many cases, to offer patients early reassurance. Moreover, the test, which performs cell-free fetal DNA screening, has greater sensitivity and specificity when compared to serum marker screening, yielding unusual accuracy. While the non-invasive fetal DNA screening kit is remarkably sensitive and specific, it is classified as a screening option for women at heightened risk of trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome), as well as trisomies 18 and 21. In the case of a positive result for one or more pathologies, an invasive procedure such as amniocentesis is administered to confirm diagnosis.

When it comes to early genetic screening, many patients assume that fetal DNA gender tests must be as complex as invasive procedures such as amniocentesis. However, the prenatal screening through fetal DNA offered by Eurofins Biomnis is remarkably simple to prescribe and administer, and allows expectant parents, if they chooseso, to determine the sex of the fetus from the first trimester. Healthcare providers may administer the test themselves, or patients may have the procedure performed by a Eurofins Biomnis partner laboratory. With results available in 5 working days, these fetal DNA gender tests offer risk-free screening, and simultaneously detect three common trisomies. They reduce unnecessary invasive sampling by up to 95%.