What Determines Fetal Fraction?
Fetal fraction varies for each woman and is determined by multiple factors, including:
What if my NIPT Results Indicate Low Fetal Fraction?
If your NIPT results indicate that there was a low fetal fraction, this does not mean that there is a health concern for the fetus. A low fetal fraction measurement in NIPT testing simply means that there was not enough placental cfDNA to obtain accurate results. In this case, your doctor may recommend that you repeat the test a little later on in your pregnancy when fetal fraction is more likely to be higher. If you receive a low fetal fraction measurement in your second blood draw, your doctor may recommend alternative methods of prenatal screening.
Have Questions About NIPT and Fetal Fraction?
If you have questions regarding fetal fraction and how it affects NIPT screening, consider speaking with a genetic counselor. In general, anyone considering prenatal screening should consider working with a genetic counselor. Genetic counselors are medical professionals who have completed specialty training in medical genetics and counseling. A prenatal and preconception genetic counselor assists expecting mothers and couples through the process of prenatal screening and prenatal diagnostic testing. They support their patients by interpreting genetic testing results, providing information on testing options, and emotionally supporting patients undergoing the prenatal genetic testing process.
If you need legal advice search in your area for a professional such as ‘Atlanta Birth Injury Lawyer’. It’s important to find help from those experienced in handling these types of issues who can provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
SOURCES:
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https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/testing/nipt
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https://www.genome.gov/25520880/deoxyribonucleic-acid-dna-fact-sheet/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29343314
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24046201
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23592541?dopt=Abstract
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https://www.nsgc.org/page/whoaregeneticcounselors-473
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https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2018/08000/Influence_of_Body_Mass_Index_on_Fetal_Fraction.22.aspx
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4886648/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25963912
*Please consult a licensed medical practitioner before choosing any medication or health plan.
Scientific journal articles for further reading
Committee Opinion No. 640: Cell-Free DNA Screening For Fetal Aneuploidy. Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Sep;126(3):e31-7. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001051. PubMed: 26287791.
Goldwaser T, Klugman S. Cell-free DNA for the detection of fetal aneuploidy. Fertil Steril. 2018 Feb;109(2):195-200. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.12.019. PubMed: 29447662.
Rose NC, Kaimal AJ, Dugoff L, Norton ME; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Practice Bulletins—Obstetrics; Committee on Genetics; Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Screening for Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 226. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Oct;136(4):e48-e69. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004084. PubMed: 32804883.
