Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) offered through the Unity platform analyzes cell-free DNA circulating in maternal blood to screen for common fetal chromosomal aneuploidies, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. This screening method, performed during pregnancy, provides a risk assessment for these conditions by evaluating the relative amounts of chromosomal material. For example, an increased proportion of chromosome 21 material may indicate a higher risk of Down syndrome.
Prenatal screening with this technology offers several advantages, including high sensitivity and specificity rates compared to traditional screening methods, which reduces the need for invasive diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling that carry a small risk of miscarriage. Furthermore, it can be performed earlier in pregnancy, typically after 10 weeks, allowing expectant parents more time to consider options and make informed decisions about their pregnancy. The development and implementation of these cell-free DNA-based screenings represent a significant advancement in prenatal care, offering a safer and more accurate approach to assessing fetal health.