Accurate and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing in Calgary

For expectant parents in Calgary, understanding your baby's health is a priority. We offer the Serenity Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), a highly accurate and simple blood test that provides crucial insights into your baby’s genetic health.

The Serenity NIPT is a simple blood draw that screens for common chromosomal abnormalities. It works by analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from your baby, which circulates in your bloodstream. This advanced technology uses next-generation sequencing, a method with a proven track record for accuracy, to screen for conditions like Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, and Patau Syndrome. With a detection rate of 99.7% and a significantly lower false-positive rate compared to traditional screening methods, Serenity offers peace of mind with minimal risk.

Serenity vs. Serenity+ Test Options

Serenity: Screens for common fetal aneuploidies, including Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, and Patau Syndrome. Fetal gender identification is also available.

Serenity+: Includes all the features of the standard Serenity test and also screens for Autosomal Chromosomes.

Your Experience with AvoVita Wellness

At AvoVita Wellness, we make the process of getting the Serenity test as easy as possible. Our role is to provide a seamless and professional experience for the blood collection and sample shipment.

Important Note: The Serenity test results are processed and interpreted by the laboratory OncoHelix. OncoHelix sends the results directly to the physician who ordered the test. This means AvoVita Wellness does not process, interpret, or provide medical advice regarding your test results. For all questions about your prenatal genetic testing results and next steps, please consult directly with your referring physician.

Expanded Screening: The Serenity+ Microdeletions Add-on

For those seeking a more comprehensive look at their baby's genetic health, the Serenity+ test can be expanded to screen for a panel of clinically significant microdeletions. These conditions, which are caused by tiny missing pieces of a chromosome, can be difficult to detect with traditional screening methods.

You can add this microdeletions screening panel to the Serenity+ test for $100 plus tax. The panel screens for five specific microdeletion syndromes:

22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome): A condition that can affect the heart, immune system, and development.

15q11.2 (Prader-Willi syndrome/Angelman syndrome): Two distinct conditions related to a deletion on chromosome 15 that can cause developmental and behavioral challenges.

5p- (Cri-du-chat syndrome): Characterized by a high-pitched cry in infancy, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.

4p- (Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome): A rare condition with distinctive facial features, growth delays, and intellectual disabilities.

1p36 deletion syndrome: A genetic disorder causing intellectual disabilities, seizures, and distinctive facial features.

Your Role and the AvoVita Wellness Process

As with all Serenity tests, AvoVita Wellness's role is strictly limited to the professional and careful collection of your blood sample. We then ensure the sample is promptly and securely shipped to the laboratory for analysis.

It is crucial to remember that OncoHelix, the analyzing laboratory, is responsible for processing and interpreting all test results. The results are sent directly to the referring physician who ordered the test. For this reason, AvoVita Wellness cannot provide any interpretation of the results or offer medical advice.

We urge all expectant parents to maintain open communication with their referring physician, who will discuss the results with you and guide you through any necessary follow-up care or decisions.

The Harmony Prenatal Test is a non-invasive screening (NIPS) test that analyzes cell-free DNA from a pregnant person's blood to assess the risk of specific chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13). Avovita Wellness in Calgary provides a convenient blood collection service for this test, streamlining the initial step for expectant parents. Their role is limited to the collection and secure shipment of the blood sample to DynaCare for analysis.

It is important to understand that Avovita Wellness does not process or interpret the Harmony test results. DynaCare, the laboratory responsible for the analysis, sends the results directly to the referring physician who ordered the test. Consequently, Avovita Wellness has no patient responsibility regarding the interpretation of the test outcomes or any subsequent medical decisions. Expectant parents utilizing Avovita Wellness for blood collection should maintain communication with their referring physician for result interpretation and any necessary follow-up care. Avovita Wellness simply facilitates the sample collection and shipment, ensuring a smooth process for the initial stage of the Harmony Prenatal Test.

The MaterniT 21 PLUS test is a non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) test that analyzes cell-free DNA from a pregnant person’s blood to assess the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. It screens for Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), and also offers the option to assess sex chromosome aneuploidies like Turner and Klinefelter syndromes. Unlike the Harmony test, which focuses primarily on the three main trisomies, MaterniT 21 PLUS expands the scope to include sex chromosome analysis. The MaterniT Genome test, in contrast, provides a more comprehensive genetic overview by also screening for microdeletions, which are small chromosomal deletions.

Avovita Wellness in Calgary facilitates the MaterniT 21 PLUS test by providing a comfortable and efficient blood collection service. They then handle the secure shipment of the sample to DynaCare for analysis. However, it's crucial to understand that Avovita Wellness does not process or interpret the test results. DynaCare sends the results directly to the referring physician who ordered the test. Therefore, Avovita Wellness has no patient responsibility regarding the interpretation of the results or any subsequent medical decisions. Expectant parents utilizing Avovita Wellness for the MaterniT 21 PLUS blood collection should maintain close communication with their referring physician for result interpretation and necessary follow-up care. Avovita Wellness’s role is strictly limited to the blood collection and shipping logistics, ensuring a streamlined initial step in the testing process.

For Calgary families seeking the most comprehensive prenatal genetic insights, the MaterniT Genome test offers an advanced non-invasive screening (NIPS) option. This test analyzes cell-free DNA from a pregnant person's blood, extending beyond the standard Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) screening to include sex chromosome aneuploidies and microdeletions. Unlike the MaterniT 21 PLUS test, which primarily focuses on trisomies and sex chromosome abnormalities, MaterniT Genome provides a broader genetic overview, detecting small chromosomal deletions that can lead to significant developmental challenges.

Avovita Wellness in Calgary facilitates access to the MaterniT Genome test by providing a convenient blood collection service. They then ensure the secure shipment of your sample to DynaCare for analysis. It is crucial to understand that while Avovita Wellness handles the blood collection and shipping logistics, they do not process or interpret the test results. DynaCare, the laboratory responsible for the analysis, sends the results directly to the referring physician who ordered the test. Therefore, Avovita Wellness has no patient responsibility regarding the interpretation of the results or any subsequent medical decisions.

Calgary residents utilizing Avovita Wellness for the MaterniT Genome test benefit from a streamlined blood collection process, simplifying the initial step. However, all medical interpretation and patient follow-up remain the responsibility of the referring physician. It is essential for expectant parents to maintain close communication with their physician for result interpretation and any necessary follow-up care.