What is VERAgene?
VERAgene is the first non-invasive, highly comprehensive prenatal screening test (NIPT) for aneuploidies, microdeletions, and point mutations.
The test is based on the analysis of fetal DNA fragments present in the mother’s bloodstream. The collected maternal blood sample and a cheek swab from the father are analyzed to assess the risk of genetic changes that could affect the child’s health.
VERAgene detects 2,000 gene mutations responsible for, among others, metabolic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and phenylketonuria.
The test is safe and poses no risk to either the pregnant woman or the fetus. It is suitable for singleton and twin pregnancies, as well as pregnancies with a vanishing twin.
The VERAgene test complements first-trimester prenatal screening, including ultrasound examinations, which should be performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Polish Gynecological Society. You may consider undergoing the VERAgene test after consulting your physician or midwife to make an informed decision.
In the case of a high-risk result, we provide:
- a free consultation with a clinical geneticist,
- a free consultation with a MindHealth psychologist.
Which genetic conditions does VERAgene detect?
The test enables the detection of many disorders, including microdeletions, aneuploidies, and monogenic diseases. The most common include:
Aneuploidies
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
- Turner syndrome (monosomy X)
- Klinefelter syndrome (XXY)
- Jacobs syndrome
Aneuploidies involve changes in the number of chromosomes in fetal cells. In the case of trisomy, fetal cells contain an extra chromosome, meaning a third copy. In monosomy, the cells have only one copy of a chromosome.
Microdeletions
- DiGeorge syndrome
- Smith-Magenis syndrome
- Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome
- 1p36 deletion syndrome
- Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes (15q11.2–q13)
- Cri du Chat syndrome (5p deletion)
Microdeletions are small losses of DNA that occur with the same frequency in women of all ages. Their size is as small as 2.5 Mb, yet they can cause serious diseases. The VERAgene test detects abnormalities as small as 0.5 Mb, making it one of the most reliable tests on the market.
An example of such a condition is the 22q11.2 deletion, known as DiGeorge syndrome. This genetic defect is the second most common after Down syndrome and occurs on average in 1 out of every 1,000 live births. Early diagnosis is crucial for selecting effective therapy.
Monogenic diseases
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chorea-acanthocytosis
- Phenylketonuria
- Sickle cell anemia
- Arthrogryposis, intellectual disability, and seizures
1000 tests and services
544 doctors
1500 visits available
