PrenaTest (PrenatalSafe 21 – trisomy 21)
Please note that independent interpretation of the results is not allowed; the information provided below is for reference only.
This test is performed only after consultation with a physician.
Prenatest (PrenatalSafe 21) is a non-invasive prenatal screening test designed to assess the risk of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in the fetus. The test analyzes cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) present in the maternal blood from early stages of pregnancy.
Trisomy 21 occurs due to an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to developmental delays and structural features of the body. The main causes include errors in maternal meiosis (most commonly), age-related factors, and genetic predisposition. This test allows estimation of aneuploidy risk without the need for invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
There are different types of prenatal tests for trisomy 21: traditional screenings based on biochemical markers and ultrasound parameters, and modern non-invasive cfDNA tests, which provide higher accuracy and lower false-positive rates. Prenatest belongs to the modern cfDNA-based screening methods.
Indications
- Pregnant women over 35 years old
- History of previous pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities
- Increased risk based on biochemical or ultrasound screening results
- Patients seeking a more accurate and safer assessment of trisomy 21 risk
- Genetic factors increasing the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities
Procedure
- Collection of venous blood from the pregnant woman (usually from the cubital vein).
- Fetal DNA is extracted from maternal plasma and subjected to molecular genetic analysis.
- Test results are evaluated as a probabilistic estimate of trisomy 21 presence.
This service is available at the following branches: Chisinau, 64/2 Albisoara Street, 19/1 Testemitanu Street, and Balti, 126 Decebal Street.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8328480/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prenatal_testing
https://www.webmd.com/baby/your-guide-prenatal-testing
IMPORTANT!
It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or exacerbation of a condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic tests and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for conducting similar tests.
Pregătirea:
- No special preparation is required before the blood draw.
- It is recommended to inform the physician about any medications being taken and existing health conditions.
- The test is optimally performed after the 10th week of pregnancy, when the proportion of fetal cfDNA in maternal blood is sufficient for accurate analysis.