A complete guide for expectant mothers
Non-invasive prenatal screening tests have become an indispensable reference in pregnancy monitoring. Thanks to a simple blood sample, they can accurately detect certain chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomy 21, quickly and safely.
When you find out you’re pregnant, it’s natural to want reliable information about your baby’s health. However, between the various options on offer – Verifi, Harmony, SneakPeek or EarlyReveal – it can be difficult to decide which test to choose. And, above all, at what point in the pregnancy to do it to ensure optimal results.
In this article, the PRELEV clinic presents a clear, simple and comprehensive guide to understanding :
This information will help you make an informed decision that’s right for you.
We offer a number of advanced screening tools that can provide essential information on fetal development and even determine the sex of the fetus. Among the most widely used non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPTs) in Canada – such as Verifi, Harmony, SneakPeek, EarlyReveal and other specialized panels – each analyzes fetal DNA circulating in maternal blood to accurately detect certain chromosomal abnormalities.
Here’s what distinguishes these different options:
Parents who want an extremely reliable and comprehensive test, often recommended when risk factors are present.
Patients looking for a proven test with an excellent accuracy/rapidity ratio.
This test has a small special feature. The client must be 18 years of age or older to take the test. If the client is a minor, she can contact us by telephone and we will inform her of the procedure to follow.
For parents who want an affordable way to find out their child’s sex at an early age.
Important: Not all tests are suitable for all situations. The choice depends on your pregnancy, your history and your needs (some tests are more complete than others).
Choosing a prenatal test can seem complex, especially when there are so many reliable and recognized options to choose from. The best choice often depends on your needs, your medical situation and what you want to learn about your baby’s health. Here are the main points to consider when selecting the prenatal test best suited to your situation:
Verifi and Harmony are both renowned for their reliability. The choice often depends on the type of information you want to obtain.
Depending on the laboratory, some tests offer faster results.
The healthcare professional monitoring your pregnancy is empowered to guide you towards the test best suited to your condition.
The right timing is essential to guarantee a reliable result.
Because the fetal DNA fraction in maternal blood must be high enough for laboratories to analyze the sample correctly. Before 10 weeks, the risk of an inconclusive sample increases.
Yes, most tests can be carried out right up to delivery, but the results are particularly useful in early pregnancy to guide follow-up.
Your goal | Recommended test | The perfect moment |
Knowing your sex early | EarlyReveal | 7 weeks |
Full screening (trisomies & more) | Verifi | from 10 weeks |
Reliable, proven screening | Harmony | from 10 weeks |
Pregnancy with risk factors | Verifi | from 10 weeks |
Choosing a prenatal test can seem complex, but with a good understanding of the options and the ideal time to take it, you can move forward with your pregnancy with greater peace of mind. At PRELEV, our nurses will work with you to identify the test best suited to your situation, taking into account your needs, timeframe and expectations.
Our prenatal services are offered in our three clinics – Saint-Hyacinthe, Drummondville and Sherbrooke – to give you easy access to reliable, safe screening adapted to your reality.
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