anyone have experience with cell-free fetal DNA testing?

Re: anyone have experience with cell-free fetal DNA testing?

• newbeg826

  January 2013

  This may be the new Materni21 test?  There has been a lot of discussion about this test on some other boards.  It is offered in my area, but only recommended (and covered by insurance) if there is an indication for the test (i.e. AMA, hx of chromo abnormalities).  I asked the perinatal testing center about it where I had my NT scan and they said they would not recommend it to anyone who was not at risk, b/c there wasn't enough data performed on low risk-patients.  (In my opinion, I think it should be offered to anyone who wants the test). 

  You may want to check at a hospital associated with a University or a large hospital network, b/c they may have the test (if you are interested).  
  

  BFP#2 6/29/12 - M/C 7/23/12. BFP#3 10/26/2012 - EDD 7/09/2012 - U/S 11/20 with HB of 156, U/S 11/27 with HB 180!

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• eoub member

  January 2013

  I'm pretty sure this is the MaterniT21 test -- I had it on Tuesday and my genetic counselor kept referring to it as "cell-free DNA testing" because there are DNA fragments from the baby floating in your blood outside actual cells?  I'm not entirely sure of the science behind it.  Anyway, I recently switched from a smaller OB practice to a large practice at a major research hospital in my city (Boston), and the OB office at the research hospital routinely offers the test in conjunction with the NT scan.  The smaller practice didn't offer it at all.  If it's something you'd like, I agree with PP that you might want to inquire at some of the university/research hospitals near you and perhaps your OB could get you a referral for the test.  

  And just for fun, apparently you also get to learn the baby's sex when the test results come back! 

  ~ BFP #1: 10/6/12, CP 10/18/12 @ 5w0d. ~
  ~ BFP #2: 11/13/12. EDD 7/25/13. ~
  ~ It's a BOY! Grow little guy, grow! ~

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• HollyBee1022 member

  January 2013

  I'm getting the Verinata Verifi test done in a couple weeks (when I work out some insurance issues). It's similar to the MaterniT21 that PPs are referencing, but it also tests for sex chromosome disorders. My practice doesn't offer it at their location, but they refer patients to the local university hospital, which does. My midwife basically prescribed it for me. I found out at my genetics appointment the other day though that they only offer it to patients who have an indication for it.  In my case, my angel baby had a sex chromosome disorder (Turner syndrome), which is why I'm allowed to get the Verifi test, even though payment is obviously up to me. I'm not actually eligible, according to the hospital policy I guess, for MaterniT21 because it doesn't test for Turner's (yet), and I'm not AMA nor do I have any family history of trisomies.

  I think it will definitely depend on where you area to whether you'll be allowed to have these tests, as well as your loss history. I live in South Carolina, I'm sure if you're in a large metropolitan area, you might have freer access. It sounds like your OB is stricter too, but you can always look into a research hospital to see if they could get it for you. It's much more accurate than the NT scan, up to 99%, and it's much less invasive than a CVS (which is what I'm personally trying to avoid). HTH!

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• LWilson82 member

  January 2013

  I'm having it done in 2 weeks. It's the Materni21 test. Both my genetic counselor and my OB strongly recommended the test. My last loss was due to Trisomy21 so I'm over the moon this test is available. And better yet, my insurance covers it, and really better yet there's no risk of miscarriage.

  BFP#1 10.03.11| Chemical Pregnancy 10.11.11.
  BFP#2 11.13.11| diag@13wks T21/Cystic Hygroma/Hydrops | D&C 1.24.12
  BFP#3 12.13.12| HR 174 | Materni21 - All Chromosomes Normal! | EDD 8.25.13
  

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