Cell Free DNA Test<\/b><\/h2>\n
Prenatal screening has significantly improved and changed in the past decade thanks to a new test in the medical field called the cell free DNA test, which is truly a breakthrough in prenatal screening! The cfdna tests are non-invasive tests that analyze fetal DNA from a mother\u2019s blood sample. What does cell free DNA test for, you might ask? By testing cfdna, doctors can more easily and efficiently screen for particular chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Prenatal cfdna tests are non-invasive testing measures that analyze the cell free DNA of a pregnant person\u2019s blood, as it contains both maternal and fetal DNA. The chromosomal abnormalities that may be detected include <\/span>Trisomy<\/span><\/i>, which is three chromosome copies instead of what is typically two,<\/span> Monosomy<\/span><\/i>, which is the absence of one of the two chromosome copies. Finally, <\/span>Microdeletion<\/span><\/i> is when there is a small part of a chromosome missing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These are some of the most common chromosome disorders:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/li>\n <\/li>\n Prenatal cfdna screening is recommended when you are at least ten weeks pregnant, and you have received adequate counseling regarding all of your options. The benefits and limits of cell free DNA screening and diagnostic testing in the first or second trimester vary from patient to patient. After consulting your doctor or a genetic counselor, you can be better equipped to decide whether a cell free DNA test is right for you, if it will benefit you, and how you can expect to interpret your results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While first and second-trimester diagnostic testing options are available, such as a quad screen, cell free DNA screening can be more specific and sensitive than traditional screening options. It is also more helpful for women who may not want to undergo invasive testing with a slight risk of miscarriage, like CVS, chorionic villus sampling, or amniocentesis. It is important to know that cfdna tests are less effective under the following circumstances:<\/span><\/p>\n If you are interested in undergoing prenatal cfdna testing, we recommend that you speak to your provider and first check to see if your health insurance will cover the cost of the testing. Before the screening, your OBGYN or genetic counselor will go through all of the possible outcomes of your test and what the results could mean for you and your baby. This is the time to ask any questions or raise any concerns about the screening process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During the cfdna screening, DNA is extracted from both a mother and their fetus from a maternal blood sample. This sample is then screened for certain chromosomes that may signify developmental health conditions such as Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21)\u00a0 or another disorder caused by a trisomy, such as a trisomy 13 or trisomy 18. The cell free DNA test can also provide you and your doctor information about fetal sex.<\/span><\/p>\n Some cfdna tests may additionally screen for increased chances of:<\/span><\/p>\n During prenatal cfdna screenings, a blood sample is taken from the mother and sent off to a lab in which the sample is analyzed. The lab will look out for higher ratios of chromosome 21 sequences, which may point to conditions like Downs syndrome. Results usually come back within seven days of the initial test. The way the results are reported depends on the lab, meaning your results could read as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n Suppose your cfdna test was to come back, noting that there is an increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality. In that case, your doctor may recommend CVS or amniocentesis to confirm or deny the test\u2019s diagnosis. If the fetus is diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality, it is important to remember that these findings cannot be reversed. Your doctor will be there to support you through the difficult decision of whether you will want to continue your pregnancy or what steps you will have to take when caring for your baby during pregnancy and after their delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n Suppose you have predisposing risk factors that could be suggestive of your baby having an increased risk of a chromosomal or genetic condition. In that case, procedures such as amniocentesis or CVS are an option regardless of your cell free DNA results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rarely, between 1-5% of prenatal cfdna tests can be ineffective and do not come back with results due to not having enough DNA sampled to conduct the test. Additionally, a negative test is not conclusive in determining whether your pregnancy is unaffected, as cfdna tests do not screen for all genetic and chromosomal conditions. On a positive note, a prenatal cell free DNA test poses no physical risk to you or your baby. It can even more positively help you avoid more invasive testing, monitoring, or treatments during your pregnancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Are you a high-risk carrier? Do you want to find the best comprehensive and compassionate OB GYN care that Northeast Florida has to offer? At <\/span>Trogolo Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/span><\/a> in Jacksonville, Florida, we provide services to help manage high-risk pregnancies and various conditions or complications that may arise during pregnancy. Here are some things our practice is prepared to manage and treat:<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Does Cell Free DNA Test For?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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When is a Cell Free DNA Test Recommended?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How to Prepare for your Cell Free DNA Screening\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
What to Expect During a Cell Free DNA Test<\/b><\/h2>\n
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What to Expect After Your Screening\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Cell Free DNA Screening Risk Factors<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nChoosing Trogolo for Your Care<\/b><\/h2>\n