Maternal Fetal blood testing info

So, because I'm a total spazz, I called Natera, the company that makes the Panorama test for fetal aneuplodies, to get more information. I've already done my research and found out that they are the most accurate (especially for gender, but for genetic abnormalities as well) and that they offer the test earlier than anyone else (9 weeks instead of 10 or later.) Panorama's also cheaper.

BUT... this test also has the most inconclusive results, so I called them to ask for advice on lowering my chances of an inconclusive. There are some things we simply cannot control such as fetal mosaicism, vanishing twin, and insufficient amounts of fetal DNA in the maternal blood sample. But you are less likely to get an inconclusive if you drink plenty of water and are hydrated before your draw, if you bring your partner in so that a DNA swab can be taken to match with the fetal DNA sample, and if you weight less than 200 lbs. The representative also recommended that I wait until 10 weeks, instead of 9, because the odds of an inconclusive go way down by waiting just 7 days longer.

I was glad I called, because I was having a hard time finding an OB that offers the test (or even knows what it is!) and their representative referred me to one just down the street from my house.

thank you so much, that's very useful!!

Huh. I wonder why exactly being under 200 lbs helps. Did they say?

I'm glad you found an OB who has it so conveniently. :)

Most people would fall into the morbidly obese level once over 200 pounds and all of your hormones are messed up so trying to pull fetal DNA out of bold that has issues would likely be more difficult.

Thank you for posting this. I had my annual appointment this week with my ob-gyn and she said she didn't offer any of the blood tests yet and it probably wouldn't be covered by my insurance because I'm too young (under 35 years old). Will your insurance cover the test? If it's "reasonable" I might just pay for it out of pocket because I really would love to have the test done. I feel like the NT scan is so freaking inaccurate.

ETA - not pregnant yet, just planning ahead because we are TTC this summer and I'm a crazy psycho planner (and this is why I will have only boys!)....

This test is indicated if your due date is after your 35th birthday (that is the definition of Advanced Maternal Age.) If not, you can indicate that you are concerned about chromosomal abnormalities and call Natera to find out if they have any financial aid for those whose insurance doesn't cover it. Sequenom has something like this for MaterniT21+. The test itself is something like $2500, but if your insurance won't pick it up, they have a program where you can tell the you need aid, and it's about $300.

They didn't say why the 200 lbs made a difference. I would assume that the fetal DNA is such a tiny percentage of your overall blood volume at that point, compared to if you weight, say, 150 lbs. I mean, at that point, there's 33% more body mass (and 33% more blood) to fetal DNA if you look at the difference between 150 lbs and 200. I'm guessing it's a ratio issue, but it absolutely could be problems with hormones as NBP indicated.

I called MaterniT21 since that is who my OB uses and their test is about $2600. If your insurance company is OUT of network they will only charge you $230. If your insurance company won't cover it because of age that might be a different story. If you are wanting to have one of these tests done I would highly recommend calling the actual company and talking to their billing department about your specific insurance and your specific situation. These tests aren't cheap and you don't want to be stuck with a large bill. Last time I did MaterniT21 my insurance company was out of network so they only charged me $260. Had my insurance company been in-network I would have been charged $1500.

So I did some research and Lilith is right - the % of fetal blood is inversely proportional to maternal weight. Yay!

No doubt obesity messes up testing too as NBP pointed out.