Non-invasive Prenatal Testing
Delivering on the promise.
The aim of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPD) is to obtain diagnostic information about a pregnancy without causing harm to the unborn child. Currently, diagnosis of genetic conditions (e.g. Down syndrome) or confirmation of paternity during a pregnancy is performed using invasive procedures, such as amniocentesis or CVS, which carry a slight risk for miscarriage. In the 1990's, researchers discovered fetal DNA within the circulation of pregnant women which offered a promise of someday using a simple blood draw to diagnose genetic conditions and chromosome disorders during a pregnancy.
The main challenge to non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPD) is the very small amount of fetal DNA that is present in maternal circulation. Natera's Parental Support technology specializes in testing small quantities of DNA, including traces of fetal DNA found in maternal blood during pregnancy. Natera now provides non-invasive prenatal paternity testing and is sponsoring a clinical trial for non-invasive prenatal detection (NIPD) of chromosomal abnormalities.