Prenatal screening test

Gyn-Echo is proud to offer expectant mothers new state-of-the-art tests by providing them with Prenates plus. Quick and straightforward, the Prenatest plus is designed for all pregnant women, regardless of their age, and is used to identify some chromosomal abnormalities of the foetus (Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18 or Open neural tube Defects, for example) in the first months of your pregnancy. The blood analysis, combined with the nuchal translucency ultrasound. yields reliable results by up to 90%.

Why should pregnant women choose a screening test?

Amniocentesis is the most commonly used diagnostic procedure in order to detect a chromosomal abnormality of the feotus. Since this procedure requires a sampling inside the uterus, it is not without risk and is associated with a miscarriage risk of approximately 1 in 300. 

When should the test be done?

It is important to do the Prenatest plus precisely when the embryo measures from 47 to 85 millimetres in length (approximately between the 11th and 14th week following the beginning of your last menstrual period). Before determining the nuchal translucency thickness, the ultrasound will precisely determine the age of the foetus. If it is younger than predicted, the prenatal screening will be postponed to a more suitable time. This additional test will be billed at a lower cost since it will be considered as a repeat ultrasound. If, on the contrary, your pregnancy is more advanced than planned, a second trimester Prenatest plus with a detection rate of 75% to 80% could be offered to you. This test can also detect open neural tube defects (spina bifida, for example).

Understanding the results?

The Prenatest plus result reflects a risk estimation. It determines the probability that the foetus is affected by a chromosomal abnormality. If the risk estimation is less than 1 in 2500, the result is encouraging and your risk is considered as low. This is excellent news, and your results will be released to you by your attending physician or nurse.

However, if your result is greater than 1 in 250, it means that you have a higher than average risk of carrying a baby with a trisomy. On the other hand, this does not necessarily mean that your baby is affected by it. You will therefore need to discuss your condition with your treating physician and assess the need to perform additional tests in order to obtain a final diagnostic.

Why choose Prenatest plus?

First, it allows you to be rapidly reassured about your baby's health and to fully enjoy your pregnancy. If the risk estimation is more that 1 in 2500, the foetal DNA test (Harmony) will be offered free of charge.