Prenatal screening

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is an innovative form of genetic screening allowing 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 prenatal screening tests such as amniocentesis are among the most-prescribed diagnostic procedures, associated risks including fetal loss are a strong source of patient concern. Healthcare providers now have the option of prescribing non-invasive prenatal screening tests. In many cases, these allow patients to avoid invasive sampling, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes.

The prenatal screening kit developed by 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 prenatal 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.

Prescribing an NIPT for the prenatal screening of birth defects offers reliable initial risk assessment for common abnormalities. With detection rates exceeding 99%, the test is generally recommended for mothers over the age of 38 with risks greater than 1 in 1,000 according to serum markers. A positive result indicates a strong suspicion that fetal anomalies relating to one or more genetic conditions are present. Available starting at 10 weeks ofpregnancy, the test allows for the prenatal screening of birth defects from the first trimester of pregnancy. Eurofins Biomnis follows the international recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM).

When it comes to early genetic screening, many patients assume that fetal DNA tests for gender must be as complex as invasive procedures such as amniocentesis. However, the testing kit developed by Eurofins Biomnis is remarkably simple to prescribe and administer, and includes prenatal screening for determining baby gender. Healthcare providers may administer the test themselves, or patients may opt to have the procedure performed by a Eurofins Biomnis partner laboratory. With results of the sampling available in around 7 working days, NIPT by Eurofins Biomnis is a risk-free form ofnon-invasive testing, and also offers prenatal screening for determining baby gender. It may reduce unnecessary invasive sampling by up to 95%.