QNatal® Advanced Test
QNatal Advanced is a cell-free DNA screening test that evaluates increased risk of certain fetal chromosomal abnormalities, including Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), from a blood sample.
About this test
The test analyzes cell-free DNA from a whole blood sample, collected in a specialized cell-free DNA collection tube, using next generation sequencing. Along with the three trisomies, it evaluates increased risk of certain sex chromosome abnormalities and, if selected, certain microdeletions and fetal sex.
Quest is explicit that this is a screening test, not a diagnostic one: it does not evaluate risk of fetal anomalies such as neural tube or ventral wall defects, and screening results can include false positives or false negatives, with predictive value that varies by a person's individual risk factors and by the genetic marker involved. Quest notes that a positive or increased-risk result is generally followed by genetic counseling and further testing aimed at confirming a finding.
Test details
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports on advanced maternal age status, gestational age, fetal fraction, and findings for Trisomy 21, 18 and 13, sex chromosome status, and, when selected, microdeletion and fetal sex results, along with laboratory comments and limitations specific to the case.
This test isn't part of the Celio Health store at the moment, so it can't be ordered or requested here. The test menu lists everything that can.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does QNatal Advanced measure?
It screens cell-free DNA from a blood sample for increased risk of certain fetal chromosomal abnormalities, including Trisomy 21, 18 and 13, and certain sex chromosome abnormalities.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a whole blood sample collected in a specialized cell-free DNA collection tube.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Is this a diagnostic test?
No. Quest describes QNatal Advanced as a screening test, not a diagnostic one, and notes that an increased-risk result is typically followed by genetic counseling and further testing.
Is this the same as NIPT?
Quest lists this test under the alias NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing), referring to the same cell-free DNA screening approach.