Fetal DNA Test for Trisomy 21 (Everli)

The T21 Prenatal Test can detect, during pregnancy, whether the baby presents Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. The technique used to carry it out is QF–PCR, although it is referred to as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique.

You will receive the complete results within 3–6 working days. In addition, it is not necessary to fast before taking the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test.

Trisomy 21 (T21) or Down syndrome is the most common genetic alteration. Around 1 in every 700 newborn babies presents this condition at birth.

The test to detect T21 can be performed from week 10 of pregnancy and allows you to learn about your baby’s health well before the time of delivery.

We invite you to keep reading to learn all the details about this prenatal analysis, the procedure and its purpose:

Trisomy T21 (Down syndrome)

Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome, is the most common chromosomal abnormality. This genetic alteration occurs due to the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. When the egg and sperm unite to form the fertilised egg, instead of having two chromosome 21s, there are three.

This genetic condition affects both physical and intellectual development. However, there are many variations of Down syndrome, so the severity may range from mild to severe, and in mild cases, individuals can lead relatively normal lives.

At present, there is no test that can determine the extent to which a child with Down syndrome will be affected. For now, the most suitable test to detect the risk that the foetus may present this chromosomal alteration is the Fetal DNA Test for Trisomy 21, using the PCR technique.

PCR technique (QF-PCR) for Trisomy T21

The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique allows a specific region of DNA to be multiplied. In this case, the region chosen by the geneticist is the one that provides information about T21.

Polymerase is the enzyme responsible for this DNA amplification. Its function is to promote DNA replication, which is why this test is called the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

The final amount of the selected portion of DNA will be directly proportional to the initial amount of DNA present. But what does this mean?

As mentioned earlier, when the egg and sperm unite, there are two chromosome 21s — except in cases of Down syndrome, where there are three.

Therefore, if the foetal cells have three chromosome 21s instead of two (Trisomy 21), the final amount of DNA corresponding to chromosome 21 will be greater than if there had only been two. This quantification is achieved using the fluorescence technique (quantitative fluorescence), which is why the method is called QF–PCR.

The Prenatal Test for Down Syndrome (T21) is recommended for pregnant women who are at least 10 weeks into their pregnancy and have a single pregnancy.

The fetal DNA study is carried out using a blood sample provided by the mother.

To take the T21 Test, you can click on the button below and follow the simple steps indicated. If you have any questions, you can contact our Patient Service Department by calling +34 91 141 33 56 or by filling in the contact form so that we can call you back.

Purchase the Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) Test with Operarme

Once you purchase the T21 Non-Invasive Prenatal Test, you will receive an email with your voucher.

After downloading your prenatal test voucher, you can redeem it directly at the sample collection centre of your choice without needing to book an appointment in advance, or you can call the centre directly for more information.

With your voucher, you will also find a consent form attached. You must print and complete this form to present it at the Megalab centre when you attend your appointment.

Fetal DNA Prenatal Test

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Before proceeding with the test, it is advisable to have an ultrasound scan (not included) to determine the exact stage of pregnancy (more than 10 weeks). This helps to avoid possible anomalies that could alter the test parameters and lead to inaccurate results.

Once the ultrasound has been performed, the test is carried out through a simple blood test involving a single blood draw.

The sample will then be sent to the laboratory for analysis, and you will wait to receive your results.

The Megalab team of geneticists will explain how to access your results:

1. You will be given an access code to log into your private area.
2. From there, you can check the status of your results report.
3. If the results are not yet available, it will appear as “pending”.
4. Finally, you will be given the telephone number of the laboratory where the test was performed, in case you have any questions while waiting for your results.

You will receive the complete results within 3–6 working days. In addition, it is not necessary to fast before taking the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test.

After the blood sample is taken and analysed, the results shown in the report may indicate the following:

• High risk. The probability that the baby has Trisomy 21 during pregnancy is high. In these cases, additional tests during pregnancy or a postnatal evaluation are recommended.
• Low risk. The probability of chromosomal alterations related to T21 is low. Therefore, routine prenatal care would continue as normal.

Result expressed as a percentage. The result of the T21 prenatal test is expressed as a risk percentage, ranging from 0.01% to 99%.

• No result. Occasionally, there may not be enough foetal cells in the maternal blood sample (in fewer than 5% of cases). The test can always be repeated, and in about half of these cases, a result is obtained on the second attempt at no additional cost.

The rate of inconclusive results for the T21 test is less than 1%.

Once your results are available, you will have the opportunity to speak with a genetic counsellor by telephone, who will explain the implications of the results for your baby. This telephone consultation is included in the price of the Trisomy 21 Test.

If you are considering taking the test for the detection of Down syndrome (T21), remember that you can do so safely and easily with Operarme, in collaboration with Megalab Laboratories.

You can request your Fetal DNA Test for Trisomy 21 voucher quickly and easily by filling in our contact form, calling +34 91 141 33 56, or clicking on the button below:

Fetal DNA Prenatal Test

Make your purchase quickly and safely with Operarme at your nearest laboratory.

Purchase now