Open AccessThe use of cell-free fetal nucleic acids in maternal blood for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis
Author(s) -
Caroline F. Wright,
Hilary Burton
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
human reproduction update
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.977
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1362-4946
pISSN - 1355-4786
DOI - 10.1093/humupd/dmn047
Subject(s) - cell free fetal dna , fetus , nucleic acid , clearance , prenatal diagnosis , obstetrics , fetal circulation , pregnancy , gestation , medicine , biology , physiology , genetics , placenta , urology
Cell-free fetal nucleic acids (cffNA) can be detected in the maternal circulation during pregnancy, potentially offering an excellent method for early non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of the genetic status of a fetus. Using molecular techniques, fetal DNA and RNA can be detected from 5 weeks gestation and are rapidly cleared from the circulation following birth.