Screening tests such as the Combined Test (Bi-Test) and Fetal DNA Testing (NIPT - Non Invasive Prenatal Testing), allow us to detect pregnancies at high risk of chromosomal abnormalities more accurately, thereby decreasing the inappropriate use of invasive diagnostic tests (such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling). Therefore, today, Fetal DNA Testing (NIPT - Non Invasive Prenatal Testing) is the newest and most innovative test we have available to rule out the presence of a range of chromosomal and, in some cases, genetic diseases in the fetus, with a sensitivity of 99%.

Fetal DNA Testing (NIPT - Non Invasive Prenatal Testing) is an opportunity for couples who wish to perform prenatal investigation. In the absence of specific risk factors that would direct one to recommend invasive diagnosis (chorionic villocentesis and amniocentesis) from the outset, it is correct to direct couples toward screening examinations that also include Fetal DNA Testing (NIPT - Non Invasive Prenatal Testing) , because it dramatically reduces miscarriages and rare maternal complications related to chorionic villocentesis and amniocentesis. However, it is not a diagnostic test; therefore, any positive result must be confirmed by a traditional invasive technique (chorionic/amniocentesis).

Fetal DNA Testing (NIPT - Non Invasive Prenatal Testing) specifically analyzes free fetal DNA found in maternal blood. It has been shown that, starting in the first trimester of pregnancy, free DNA of fetal origin, resulting from the passage of placental microfragments into the bloodstream, is present in the maternal bloodstream, which can be recovered noninvasively by a simple venous blood draw to the mother. In other words, with a simple blood draw, performed to the mother from 10 weeks of pregnancy, the chromosomal makeup and sex of the future infant can be known without any risk to the mother and the fetus. It is able to identify the risk in 99% of Down syndrome cases, 97% and 92% of trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 cases, respectively. These TESTS can be performed in single or twin pregnancies, in pregnancies obtained by natural conception or by assisted fertilization techniques including heterologous fertilization.