Prenatal Genetic Testing

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Summary

Why Prenatal Genetic Testing Matters in Calgary:

Understanding your baby's health is paramount, especially in Calgary. Prenatal genetic testing screens for crucial chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), right here in Calgary. These conditions can significantly impact a child's development, and early detection in Calgary allows for timely medical interventions, specialized care planning within Calgary's healthcare system, and the ability for Calgary families to prepare emotionally and practically for potential challenges.

In Calgary and across Canada, approximately 1 in 700 babies is born with Down syndrome. It's important for Calgary residents to know that the risk increases with maternal age. For example, the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome at age 25 is about 1 in 1,250, while at age 35, it's about 1 in 350. These Calgary-specific statistics underscore the importance of understanding your prenatal genetic testing options and making informed choices with your Calgary healthcare providers.

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Understanding the Tests

Understanding Prenatal Genetic Tests Available in Calgary:

  • Dynacare MaterniT 21 Plus in Calgary:
    • This non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), available to Calgary residents, analyzes cell-free DNA from a maternal blood sample to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
    • It offers high accuracy in detecting Trisomy 21, 18, and 13, as well as sex chromosome aneuploidies for Calgary pregnancies.
    • MaterniT 21 Plus can be performed as early as 10 weeks of gestation, providing early insights for Calgary families.
    • Known for its high sensitivity and specificity in Calgary testing.
    • Allows for fetal sex determination, a common request in Calgary.
  • Harmony Prenatal Test in Calgary:
    • Similar to MaterniT 21 Plus, the Harmony test, available in Calgary, is a NIPT that screens for common chromosomal abnormalities.
    • It also analyzes cell-free DNA from a maternal blood sample, providing reliable results for Calgary pregnancies.
    • Harmony is known for its high accuracy and low false-positive rate within Calgary's testing landscape.
    • Can be performed as early as 10 weeks of gestation, offering early information for Calgary expectant parents.
    • Allows for fetal sex determination for Calgary families.
  • Maternity Genome in Calgary:
    • This test provides a more comprehensive analysis of fetal DNA, available to those in the Calgary area.
    • It screens for a broader range of chromosomal abnormalities, including microdeletions, which are small missing pieces of chromosomes that can cause developmental issues, providing more in depth information for Calgary residents.
    • Maternity Genome also analyzes the common trisomies 21, 18, and 13, for Calgary pregnancies.
    • This test is useful for Calgary residents who want more information than the standard NIPT test.
    • Allows for fetal sex determination.
    • This test provides the most comprehensive information of the three tests listed for people in Calgary.
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Key Differences and Considerations:

Streamlining your prenatal genetic testing in Calgary

AvoVita Wellness facilitates access to advanced screening options including the Dynacare Harmony test, MaterniT 21 PLUS and MaterniT Genome, simplifying the process of obtaining these insights into your baby's health.

A completed physician requisition is required for all prenatal genetic screening. Requisition forms can be downloaded from our prenatal genetic testing page for your provider to complete, and must be in place before collection.

AvoVita Wellness acts as a collection and logistics partner. We coordinate the blood draw and ship your sample to the laboratory. We do not process, access or interpret results, and we do not carry patient responsibility. Dynacare reports directly to your referring physician, who will review the findings with you and provide medical guidance.

We encourage you to discuss the options with your healthcare provider or a genetic counsellor to determine which test suits your circumstances and risk factors. They can offer personalised support and help you interpret the outcome.

If you are considering prenatal genetic testing in Calgary, visit our prenatal genetic testing page to download the requisition form and book your collection. We handle the logistics so you can focus on your pregnancy, while keeping your physician central to your results and care.

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Questions about tests, pricing, or whether we can get you a specific panel? Send us a message below — or call us directly at 1-855-AVOVITA (286-8482). We try to respond to enquiries by the next business day.