Non-invasive prenatal diagnostics methods
In obstetrics and gynecology, there is often a need to determine fetal genotype early in pregnancy. Previously, invasive methods such as chorionic villus sampling, placentocentesis, amniocentesis, and cordocentesis were used to obtain genetic material. However, these methods carry a risk of spontaneous abortion, estimated at 2–3%. The discovery of fetal DNA and RNA in maternal blood formed the basis for developing non-invasive prenatal diagnostics, which poses no threat to the pregnancy. Fetal DNA, i.e., the DNA of the fetus, is detected in the blood of the pregnant woman; its quantity increases with gestational age and depends on the condition of the placenta and the specific characteristics of the pregnancy.
Non-invasive prenatal molecular genetic assays can be performed as early as 8–10 weeks of pregnancy and enable fetal DNA analysis with an accuracy of 96–100%.
Key objectives in advancing prenatal diagnostics are to increase screening accuracy and minimize invasive interventions. The most promising approach in this area is non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for aneuploidies, based on the analysis of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood. It is recommended from the 11th week of pregnancy.
Indications for the Fetal Gender assay
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Adjustment of drug therapy for pregnant women with masculinizing endocrine disorders
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Suspected fetal sex determination abnormalities based on ultrasound findings
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Potential carrier status for hemophilia and other sex-linked disorders
Indications for the Fetal RHD assay
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Pregnancy management in Rh(D)-negative women for assessing the risk of Rh(D) alloimmunization
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Absence of antibodies to fetal D-antigen before prophylactic immunoglobulin administration
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Surgical termination of pregnancy in Rh(D)-negative women to predict Rh(D) alloimmunization risk in subsequent pregnancies
List of PCR studies
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Fetal Gender
The test allows for the determination of fetal Rh status early in pregnancy (starting from 8–10 weeks of gestation) as part of prenatal screening for pregnancy complications in Rh-negative women. This enables the timely assessment of the risk for Rh incompatibility and prediction of the risk for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.
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Fetal Rh factor determination
The test enables determination of fetal Rh status in Rh-negative female patients during early pregnancy, facilitating timely assessment of the Rh incompatibility risk and initiation of preventive measures. It can also be used in prenatal screening of pregnancy complications in Rh-negative women.
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Please note that the specialists of the DNA Technology company provide consultations exclusively to medical specialists on the application and research features. Requests related to the appointment, delivery, or interpretation of tests are not considered. For relevant information, we recommend contacting the laboratory directly.