Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted February 7, 2017 Moderators Posted February 7, 2017 Emily Oster, "The New Science of Predicting Your Child," from TIME, 100 New Scientific Discoveries: Fascinating, Momentous and Mind-expanding Breakthroughs. page 32ff, copyright 2016. The following comes form above, but the writing is mine. For more than 50 year, prenatal genetic testing has generally consisted in either amniocentesis of chorionic villus sampling (CVS). In this type of testing the fetus was placed at some risk as a needle was inserted into the womb. Recently a method of "cell-free DNA testing" (Brand names include Harmony & MaterniT21) has been developed which tests the mother's plasma for fetal DNA (Typically from 10% to 20% of the DNA Circulating in the mother's blood, is of fetal origon.). Presently, this new method of testing for fetal DNA testing can only be used for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 & trisomy 13. In addition, this new method of testing fetal DNA is slightly less reliable than the older methods. Quote Gregory
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