Genetic Testing

Importance of Genetic Testing

The results can also help parents determine the chances of their current or future child developing a certain family condition.

Our Genetic Tests for Women

Several genetic tests have been developed as technology continues advancing. We provide the following options for our patients:

• NIPT testing: Noninvasive prenatal testing — also known as Panorama — uses unique technology to analyze a baby's DNA while in the womb. It looks specifically at the chromosomal makeup for conditions like Down syndrome, caused by an extra or missing chromosome copy.
• Hereditary cancer screenings: This testing looks for inherited genetic variants associated with cancer risk. If you have a family member or close relative with a rare cancer or more than one type of cancer, or who has had cancer at a young age, you should consider hereditary cancer screenings.
• OVA-1 test: This blood test for ovarian cancer creates an ovarian malignancy risk score. However, an abnormal result does not mean you have cancer — you should see a specialist for further instruction before getting surgery.
• Horizon test: A panel like a horizon test is done before or during a pregnancy to identify if you are a carrier of a gene with a variant that could affect your child.
• Amniocentesis: This procedure removes some amniotic fluid — the fluid that surrounds and protects a fetus during pregnancy — from the uterus for testing. Because amniotic fluid contains fetal cells and proteins, professionals can assess it for a genetic or chromosomal condition.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Similar to amniocentesis, CVS is a test that removes some tissue from the placenta during pregnancy to test for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): This blood test checks the AFP levels in a pregnant woman's blood. A positive test can indicate the presence of cancer.