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Cell Free DNA Genetic Testing is Changing Chicago Obstetrics and Gynecology Practices

Each of us have 2 sets of 23 chromosomes for a total of 46 chromosomes. During a pregnancy your Chicago OBGYN may offer genetic testing that screens for aneuploidy. Aneuploidy is any deviation from the standard set of chromosomes. If aneuploidy is detected it could mean that there is a presence of more or less chromosomes.

Dr. Stanley Friedell, Northwestern Women's Health Associates S.C Providing Call Free DNA testing

Traditional tests for aneuploidy include CVS and amniocentesis. These tests can provide a lot of information but they also offer some risk of miscarriage. Recent improvements in technology have introduced cell free DNA testing which has no risk of miscarriage and can be done as early as 10 1/2 weeks gestation. Cell free DNA test accuracy is 99% for the three most common abnormalities and not for all chromosomes however, these non-invasive tests are not the first choice for all patients. It is the opinion of ACOG that cell free DNA screening is appropriate under the following conditions:

  • Women over the age of 35
  • Women with fetal ultrasonography findings that are concerning for aneuploidy
  • Women who had aneuploidy in a prior pregnancy
  • Women with abnormal first- or second-trimester genetic screening tests
  • Parents with a balanced translocation and an increased risk of Trisomy 21 or 13.

Negative results are not diagnostic, and all positive results should be confirmed with invasive testing (chorionic villus sampling [CVS] or amniocentesis).

ACOG does not currently recommend the routine use of cell-free fetal DNA without a comprehensive history and adequate patient counseling, as well as a designation of “high risk.”

Many patients wonder why this test isn’t being performed on women who are not considered high risk when cell free DNA test accuracy is so convincing. There is a risk associated with false positives:

There is some preliminary data about the source of false-positive results; potential causes include an inadequate fetal fraction of cell-free DNA, maternal or placental mosaicism, and a vanishing twin.

It has been proposed by Mennuti and colleagues, that a registry of false-positive and false-negative results be established in an effort to gather further data. It is also anticipated that as low-risk patients and aneuploidies of lower and lower prevalence are incorporated into noninvasive testing, the false-positive rate will rise. Their findings have implications for patient counseling, patient distress, invasive testing, and reimbursement.

Your Chicago obstetrics and gynecology provider will work with you to determine what genetic testing is necessary during your pregnancy. Invasive testing is not done until a potential risk for aneuploidy has been determined. If you have any questions about cell free DNA test accuracy, it’s best to see your obstetrician in Chicago,. At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates  we treat every patient and every pregnancy individually. You will be given the time and consideration needed to make the necessary decisions surrounding genetic testing during pregnancy.

We are accepting new patients! To schedule an appointment with Northwestern Women’s Health Associates , call us at 312-440-9400 or request an appointment right on our website.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as medical advice. Northwestern Women’s Health Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

 

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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