sequential screen vs. cell free DNA test?

Question

hi everyone, my doctor gave me the options of doing a sequential screen or cell free DNA test to screen for downs syndrome and other chromosomal issues. my insurance only covers the sequential screen. just wondering what the pros and cons of each test are and what other people have selected.

Answer

Sequential screening tests hormone levels in the mothers blood to assess the risk of genetic disorders in the fetus.  The test is usually run in conjunction with a nuchal translucency ultrasound at 12w and if abnormalities are detected, further invasive testing is recommended.  Cell free DNA tests are non-invasive blood tests which examine fetal DNA and therefore are more accurate (lower risk of false positives), they can be run earlier in pregnancy (10w+) and they can also be used to confirm gender and other more rare genetic issues depending on the test. 
Unless you're over 35 or have a family history or genetic issues, most people will start with sequential screening.

Answer

I did both. The quad screen was recommended and after they did my NT scan, they combined it with the blood test and they gave me a slightly elevated risk for downs, so we did the DNA test which told me I was in fact low risk for Down’s. I’m still grateful I did the quad screen (sequential screen), however, because the marker that they originally thought could be a sign of downs, was actually a marker for preeclampsia. I ended up developing preeclampsia during my labor, so the test was right. If you are only interested in chromosomal abnormalities (like downs and other trisomies), the dna test is more accurate, but if you want a bigger picture, the sequential screen is good. If you do the sequential screen and you’re not high risk for Down’s, then I would save your money and not do the dna test, unless you want to spend a couple hundred dollars just to find out the sex early.

Answer

Cell free DNA is pricey, but if you do it through Natera- they do work with you if insurance doesn’t cover it. I’ve read most people don’t pay over $300. I paid $450 for mine.

Answer

In our case we had the sequential done and it showed an elevated risk so now our insurance will pay for the free cell one. We r just waiting on results and hoping for the best

Answer

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sequential screen vs. cell free DNA test?

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