A substitute for the Qualified® prenatal test

What is the alternative to prenatal testing?

Prenatal screening tests

Prenatal screening tests are designed to provide you with information related to the genetic health of your baby. By better understanding of the screening options, you can make an informed decision about which test is best for you. Your gynecologist will provide you with additional information about the test options.

Prenatal screening tests:

Assess the risk for certain conditions in the pregnancy
Are safe for the pregnancy
They are followed by additional tests, if a diagnosis is needed
Can be taken as early as from the 10th week of pregnancy

Qualified® prenatal test

The Qualified® test is a highly reliable test for determining trisomy of chromosomes 21, 18 and 13. It can also provide information about other chromosomes as well as on structural abnormalities (microdeletions and duplications). The test can also be used to determine the sex of the baby and the disorder in the number of the sex chromosomes (X, Y).

In the event of a positive result (detected abnormality) in the Qualified prenatal test, an invasive diagnostic test should be done next in order to confirm the results. Depending on the gestational age of the pregnancy, the following methods are available:

Chorionic villus sampling CVS

Chorionic villus sampling is an invasive diagnostic procedure during which a sample of fetal placenta tissue (chorionic villi) is taken with a long needle under the ultrasound-guided procedure. The genetic laboratory then takes that sample to analyze the chromosomes. The mother can undergo this procedure in between the 10th and the 13th week of pregnancy. The risk of a miscarriage after the procedure is from 1/140 to 1/ 4500.

Amniocentesis

Amniotic fluid, which is around your baby, is collected by using a long needle in the ultrasound-guided procedure. Then, the baby’s cells from that fluid are analyzed in the genetic laboratory. The procedure is usually performed in between 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. The risk of a miscarriage after the amniocentesis is from 1/160 to 1/9000.

Cordocentesis

Cordocentesis is an invasive procedure in which a fetal blood sample is taken from the umbilical cord. Its purpose is to establish a definite diagnosis (if prenatal tests, expert ultrasound, or amniocentesis cannot establish an accurate diagnosis) or if you are late for an amniocentesis. Rarely, it is used to check the appearance and number of chromosomes (karyotyping). It is done after the 20th week of pregnancy. The procedure takes from 30 to 60 minutes. Complications may occur in 1-3% of cases.