The SANCO test, i.e. non-invasive prenatal test, is one of the most frequently performed prenatal tests, which is able to show as many as seventeen different syndromes of fetal malformations. What specific fetal defects does the SANCO test detect and who should decide to have it?

Contents:

  1. SANCO test - what is tested?
  2. SANCO test - waiting time for results
  3. SANCO test - what defects does it detect?
  4. SANCO test - who is the test for?
  5. SANCO test - advantages of the test

The SANCO testis a more reliable test than the most commonly prescribed screening test for pregnant women - the so-called double examination (PAPP-A test with genetic ultrasound). Why? Because although a double test allows you to determine the risk of fetal defects related to an abnormal number of chromosomes, these tests also have a serious disadvantage. Based on its results, many patients are unnecessarily assigned to a risk group. However, in the case of the SANCO test, the chromosomal mutation detection rate is almost 100%.

SANCO test - what is tested?

To perform the SANCO test, 10 ml of blood containing plasma, containing the extracellular genetic material of the fetus, is collected from a pregnant woman.

The genetic material necessary to perform the SANCO test is present in the mother's blood from the tenth week of pregnancy. For the test to be reliable, it should be carried out by the 24th week of pregnancy.

Taking the test at a later stage is also possible, but it is worth knowing that in the case of a positive result, it may turn out that in advanced pregnancy it is impossible to perform further invasive tests.

SANCO test - waiting time for results

A patient who undergoes the test should receive the result within 6 days. However, it cannot be ignored that if the result is positive, an invasive test should also be performed to confirm or rule out the existence of a genetic defect in the developing fetus in the womb.

It should also be emphasized that the SANCO test is a screening test and its results should not be considered final.

SANCO test - what defects does it detect?

The SANCO test is primarily used to correctly diagnose genetic defects resulting fromchromosome mutations. The most serious irregularities detected in the genetic material include:

  • Trisomy of chromosome 13,called Patau syndrome. It is one of the most severe genetic diseases, which is manifested by low birth weight, but also a decrease in muscle tone. Another feature is the incomplete division of the forebrain, craniofacial abnormalities, including the presence of only one eyeball, and defects in the heart, kidneys and other internal organs.
  • Chromosome 18 trisomy , which is known as Edwards syndrome. It is a genetic disease which results in low birth weight of a child, deformities of the head, face and skull, as well as disturbances in the functioning of the heart, lungs and kidneys. Edwards' syndrome often ends in miscarriage.
  • Chromosome 21 trisomy , or Down syndrome. This is the most common genetic defect caused by a mutation in the number of chromosomes. People with Down's syndrome have reduced intellectual performance, but with proper care, they can function independently, even work. People with Down's syndrome have an increased risk of developing heart disease.
  • X chromosome monosomy , this is Turner syndrome. It only occurs in girls. It is characterized by poorly emphasized female features and short stature.
  • Klinefelter syndrome . The disease is the presence of an extra X chromosome in a pair of sex chromosomes. Klinefeklter syndrome occurs only in men. Patients have above-average height, speech problems, impaired intellectual development and poorly developed sex organs.

SANCO test - who is the test for?

The test is recommended for women who:

  • get pregnant after turning 35 and do not want to undergo invasive testing
  • patients whose biochemical PAPP-A and USG tests suggest an increased risk of genetic defects in the fetus
  • women with contraindications to invasive prenatal testing are at high risk of miscarriage or HIV or jaundice infection

SANCO test - contraindications

As already stated, the test is a screening test and its results cannot be treated definitively. Therefore, this study is not recommended in the case of:

  • multiple pregnancy
  • treating mother with stem cells
  • performing a mother's blood transfusion less than six months before pregnancy
  • in women after organ transplants
  • in case of diseasesresulting from the mutation of the mother's chromosomes

SANCO test - advantages of the test

The SANCO test, as a prenatal test, has a positive opinion of experts.

It is completely safe for the baby, because the genetic material of the fetus, which is in the mother's blood, is collected for testing.

The collected material (blood) is isolated in laboratory conditions and then tested using modern technologies.

Performing the test does not expose the woman to the risk of miscarriage, damage to the placenta or umbilical cord, as well as intrauterine infections.

Another advantage of this solution is a very high rate of correct results, which exceeds 99%.

The SANCO test can also be performed in the case of a twin pregnancy, but it must be remembered that it can only detect the risk of trisomy then. He will not reveal any other genetic defects.

The test can also be performed in women who have decided to undergo in vitro fertilization and, in the case of pregnancy, in a woman who is an egg recipient.

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  • Chorionic villus sampling (trophoblast): invasive prenatal examination
  • Triple test: non-invasive prenatal test
  • Fetal translucency assessment - non-invasive prenatal examination
About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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Category:

Pregnant examinations