The PrenaTest, like the Panorama test, is a prenatal blood test. Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 are very likely to be detected with their help. A blood sample of the expecting mother is sufficient for the examination. In contrast to invasive methods of prenatal diagnosis (such as amniocentesis), PraenaTest and Panorama-Test therefore do not pose a risk of miscarriage. Read more about the two test procedures!
PrenaTest and Panorama Test: Procedure
Fragments of the child’s DNA also circulate in the blood of pregnant women. Blood tests such as the PrenaTest and the Panorama test take advantage of this fact: They filter the child’s DNA snippets out of the maternal blood. These can then be examined for different chromosome aberrations. Depending on the test, these include, for example:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 13
- Trisomy 18
- Klinefelter’s syndrome
- Turner syndrome
Before the pregnant woman is taken the necessary for the PrenaTest or panoramic test blood sample, she receives a detailed genetic counseling by the doctor. The blood sample is then sent for analysis. According to the manufacturers, the results of the examination are available to the doctor after up to six working days (PraenaTest) or within 7 to 10 calendar days (panoramic test). He will then discuss the test result with the pregnant woman.
Note: In addition to PraenaTest and Panorama Test, there are other comparable blood tests to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn child. These include the Harmony test and the Prenatalis test.
Advantages & Reliability
The PrenaTest and the Panorama Test are easy and low risk perform. It is enough for a simple blood sample with the expectant mother. In contrast to invasive methods of prenatal diagnosis (amniotic fluid examination, chorionic villus sampling, umbilical cord puncture), these blood tests are available no increased miscarriage risk.
In addition, you can the PraenaTest and the panoramic test to a earlier time in pregnancy perform as the invasive methods.
Both the PrenaTest and the Panorama test are considered very reliable, Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 can be detected in almost all cases. For other chromosomal abnormalities (such as Turner syndrome) the test accuracy is slightly lower.
What concerns do critics have?
Expectant parents should be aware that the results of the PrenaTest and Panorama tests are very reliable, though not 100% safe is. This means that even if the test result speaks for a Down syndrome, for example, the child can be born without this trisomy (false-positive test result). To be on the safe side, a pregnant woman can undergo an invasive prenatal examination (such as an amniocentesis) if the result is conspicuous.
Conversely, it can also happen that PrenaTest or panorama test false-negative test result provides: The child has, for example, a Turner syndrome, but the test does not recognize. Some rare trisomy forms (such as the mosaic trisomy) can not be reliably detected with such blood tests. In a mosaic trisomy, only a few body cells have an extra (third) chromosome, while all other body cells are “normal.”
It should also be remembered that PrenaTest and Panorama Test are the pediatric genome only to specific chromosome aberrations to investigate. Others are not covered.
Critics also fear that these simple prenatal blood tests for chromosomal abnormalities could help more pregnant women to abort their child (if positive).
Who is the test for?
The PrenaTest or panorama test is suitable if a pregnant woman Risk factors for chromosome aberration like Down syndrome. These include, for example, a higher age of the expectant mother, a conspicuous result in first-trimester screening, or existing trisomies or other chromosomal abnormalities in the family.
Both the PrenaTest and the Panorama test will be available at the earliest from the completed ninth week of pregnancy be performed.
In certain cases, such a non-invasive prenatal blood test may not be feasible. This is true, for example, when the pregnant woman more than two children expected (triplets etc.).
PrenaTest and panorama test: costs
The costs for the PrenaTest or panorama test depend on how many chromosome deviations the maternal blood sample is to be examined. At the PrenaTest, the price range varies depending on the test package 199 to 299 euros, The panoramic test costs depending on the package between 329 and 479 euros.
In addition, in each case the separate costs of the doctor for human genetic counseling, blood sampling and education.
As a rule, pregnant women have to pay for all costs themselves: PrenaTest and panoramic test are offered to women as Individual Health Benefits (IGeL). Only in some cases does the health insurance fund (in part) cover the costs of the prenatal examination. Pregnant women should discuss any possible reimbursement in advance with their doctor and their health insurance.