Results of non-invasive prenatal testing compare well to those from invasive methods, with better safety and cost

Article excerpt

A new noninvasive fetal sequencing technique can screen nearly 23,000 genes simultaneously, matching the diagnostic power of invasive prenatal tests while avoiding their risks. Current noninvasive prenatal testing revolutionized fetal diagnostics but misses many genetic causes of abnormalities. The new NIFS technology, presented at the European Society of Human Genetics conference, expands screening capabilities and offers safety and cost advantages over invasive methods like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, which carry miscarriage risks.