Alliance for Integrated Prenatal Testing

An alliance to develop and implement an advanced integrated prenatal testing system that provides higher detection rates for Down syndrome has been formed by Dynacare Inc. (Dallas, TX, USA) and Intema, Ltd. (Oxford, UK).

Dynacare will offer the Integrated Prenatal Risk Profile of Intema, which detects 85% of Down syndrome pregnancies with a false positive rate of only 1%, compared to a false positive rate of 5% using the conventional "triple screen” test. The system combines information from biochemical markers obtained through blood analysis in the first and second trimester with a measurement made via ultrasonography taken in the first trimester. These findings are used to arrive at a single estimate of risk that incorporates all information available about the fetus through noninvasive techniques. The result, says Dynacare, is a better risk estimate for Down syndrome. Dynacare will offer the test through its center for genetic testing and counseling, Dynagene (www.dynagene.com).

"The integrated test, followed by diagnostic amniocentesis for those who screen positive, is the most effective and safe method of detecting Down syndrome in early pregnancy,” said Prof. Nicholas Wald, developer of the integrated tests and founder of Intema. Prof. Wald is an epidemiologist who is credited for being the first to show conclusively that folic acid reduces birth defects.






Related Links:
Dynacare
Dynagene