A–Z Glossary

Genetic counseling

Specialized counseling that helps explain prenatal test results and guide follow-up testing decisions.

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Amniocentesis risks and benefits

Amniocentesis risks and benefits

What amniocentesis involves Amniocentesis is an invasive prenatal diagnostic procedure in which a clinician removes a small sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus using a thin needle, usually under continuous ultrasound guidance. The fluid contains fetal cells and biochemical substances that can be analyzed for chromosomal conditions, selected genetic disorders, fetal infection, and, in […]

Genetic screening tests explained

Genetic screening tests explained

What genetic screening means Genetic screening is a structured way to estimate whether a person, pregnancy, fetus, embryo, or newborn has an increased chance of a genetic condition. In pregnancy care, screening is often offered to people who have no symptoms and no known family history. This is what makes screening different from targeted genetic […]

NIPT results interpretation and false positives

NIPT results interpretation and false positives

What an NIPT result is actually measuring NIPT, also called cell-free DNA screening, looks at small fragments of DNA circulating in maternal blood. Most of that signal reflects placental DNA, which is usually representative of the fetus but is not always identical to it. That distinction is why the test is best understood as screening […]