Targeted DNA sequencing of fetal cells from Papanicolaou (Pap) smears may offer an improved and earlier route to prenatal genetic screening, according to a report published [Nov. 2].
The novel strategy, which analyzes DNA from trophoblasts that have been shed into the endocervical canal (ECC), correctly distinguished fetal DNA in 20 consecutive samples.
…
The three types of prenatal screening tests currently in widespread use have limitations: invasiveness and use later in pregnancy (8 to 20 or more weeks) for amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and low fetal fraction for cell-free fetal DNA testing….
…
Teamed with detection of genetic markers that span the genome, the approach is “a straightforward alternative that uses a Pap smear to capture intact fetal trophoblast cells in numbers sufficient for next-generation sequencing as early as 5 weeks of gestation,” the investigators write.
Share this article
…
Pap smear–based prenatal testing offers several potential advantages. A woman’s body mass index does not compromise Pap screening results…[James Byrne, MD, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center] lists other advantages. “Reliable testing can be obtained earlier in pregnancy. It is noninvasive, which would provide reassurance to many patients….”
Free account registration needed to access article.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Prenatal Genetic Screening Through Pap Smear?
