Prenatal PLUS Test: T 21, 18, 13 + Sex Chromosomes + Gender

The PLUS test, offered at IntroLab in Belgrade, is an advanced non-invasive prenatal test used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and determine the baby’s gender. This test provides a broader range of information compared to basic prenatal tests, offering a more detailed understanding of the fetus’s genetic health.

How is the PLUS test conducted?

The PLUS test is performed using a blood sample from the pregnant woman, much like the BASIC test. Small fragments of fetal DNA in the mother’s blood are analyzed to detect specific genetic information. This process is non-invasive and safe, with no risk to the mother or baby. The PLUS test can be done as early as the 10th week of pregnancy.

What does the test detect?

The prenatal PLUS test identifies the following chromosomal abnormalities and genetic characteristics:

• Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome): The presence of an extra chromosome 21 can lead to intellectual disabilities and physical abnormalities.
  Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome): Caused by an extra chromosome 18, this condition results in severe health problems and malformations.
• Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome): The presence of an extra chromosome 13, associated with serious physical and intellectual disabilities.
• Sex Chromosome Abnormalities: The PLUS test can detect conditions like Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and other disorders related to sex chromosomes.
• Baby’s Gender: The PLUS test accurately determines the baby’s gender, informing parents whether they are expecting a boy or a girl.

How are test results interpreted?

The PLUS test results provide detailed information about the genetic health of the fetus:

• Negative result (low risk): Indicates a low risk of chromosomal abnormalities, suggesting that no abnormalities were detected in the tested chromosomes.
• Positive result (high risk): Indicates a high risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities or microdeletions. If the result is positive, further diagnostic evaluations, such as amniocentesis, are recommended to confirm the findings.

Results should be interpreted in consultation with a geneticist or physician to fully understand the implications and consider the next steps.

Why are PLUS prenatal tests important?

PLUS tests offer a more comprehensive understanding of your baby’s genetic health compared to basic tests. They help identify the risk of genetic disorders and sex chromosome abnormalities, enabling early detection and planning for necessary medical steps. These tests are especially useful for parents who seek more detailed information about their baby’s health.

Other prenatal options: BASIC, EXPERT, and PREMIUM

In addition to the PLUS test, IntroLab Belgrade offers a variety of prenatal tests that provide a detailed analysis of the fetus’s genetic health. All of these tests use advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.

• BASIC test: Focuses on detecting the most common trisomies (21, 18, 13) and determining the baby’s gender. It is ideal for basic screening of the most common genetic disorders.
• EXPERT test: Includes analysis of trisomies, sex chromosomes, and microdeletions, such as DiGeorge syndrome. It provides a detailed assessment of genetic risks.
• PREMIUM test: The most comprehensive test, covering the analysis of all chromosomes, sex chromosomes, microdeletions, and screening for 100 hereditary and monogenic diseases. It is suitable for pregnant women who want the most extensive information about the fetus’s genetic health.
• ALL CHROMOSOMES test: Provides analysis of all chromosomes, including sex chromosomes, deletions, and microdeletions, along with determining the baby’s gender.
• SPECIAL test: Includes analysis of trisomies, sex chromosomes, microdeletions, and an additional 100 hereditary diseases. It is ideal for a detailed genetic examination.
• SPECIAL + SMA test: An extended version of the SPECIAL test, which includes analysis for SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and 100 monogenic diseases.

These tests offer a comprehensive analysis of the fetus’s genetic health, helping parents and doctors make informed decisions during pregnancy.

Specialized genetic panels at IntroLab

Along with prenatal tests, IntroLab offers specialized genetic panels that allow for a detailed analysis of hereditary diseases and disorders.

• Autoinflammatory diseases panel
• Cardiomyopathy panel
• Arrhythmia panel
• Marfan syndrome panel
• Epilepsy panel
• Clinical exome sequencing
• Molecular karyotyping

These panels provide a thorough overview of genetic health.