Baylor Genetics is now offering Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) for prenatal testing of genetic disorders. Prenatal CMA is a new method of chromosomal analysis that tests for a large number of genetic disorders, many of which are not detectable through karyotypic analysis techniques. Below are some frequently asked questions. For more information on prenatal testing, visit the amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) web pages.

What does the prenatal CMA test for?

Prenatal CMA can detect genomic errors for each of the disorders that are usually identified by karyotypic analysis, including Down syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, sex chromosomal abnormalities, and other rare genetic disorders reported to be associated with mental retardation and/or physical problems.

What are the benefits of the test?

Prenatal CMA is an expanded version of prenatal testing which detects abnormalities that would not have been identified by currently available prenatal testing. If an abnormality is found, the results may provide important information that could help the physician make decisions about the management of a pregnancy or help guide the medical decisions for the baby after delivery.

Will an additional fetal sample be needed?

No. The prenatal CMA test can be done using the same CVS or amniocentesis sample sent for karyotypic analysis to Baylor Medical Genetics Laboratories. However, the physician will be asked to try to obtain slightly more tissue or fluid in the sample. Additionally, blood from both parents is also requested.

How long will the results take?

Prenatal CMA results are provided to the physician in approximately two weeks. Occasionally the results may take longer.

How much does the test cost? Will insurance pay for the test?

Prenatal CMA cost is $1,600. Payment in full is required at the time of sample submission. Insurance is filed as a courtesy when a Patient Insurance Verification Form is submitted. Insurance coverage is determined by the insurance company and depends on individual policy limitations and medical indications.

What are the limitations of the test?

Prenatal CMA is a new and sensitive test. It is possible that the test will detect a genetic abnormality for which currently there may be little medical information available to predict the type of clinical problems that may develop in the baby. While the prenatal CMA test is very accurate, not every genomic abnormality (genetic defect) can be detected by a prenatal CMA test. For some conditions, genomic gains or losses at a particular locus may represent only a certain percentage of the genetic changes associated with that given disorder. For instance, in some disorders, 99% of the cases may be detected by the test, while for others the detection rate may be 70% or less. No method of prenatal testing can guarantee a baby will be born without birth defects or genetic disorders, nor does every genetic alteration have profound clinical consequences. For this reason, results from your tests should be thoroughly discussed with clinicians, genetic counselors and other qualified medical personnel.

How do I learn more about the prenatal CMA test?

More information about prenatal CMA may also be obtained by calling Baylor Genetics at 1-800-411-GENE or by contacting us through this web site.