Noninvasive prenatal screening using cell-free DNA.

Noninvasive prenatal screening using cell-free DNA involves analysis of a sample of maternal blood for DNA fragments of fetal chromosomes from the fetal-placental unit to detect common chromosome abnormalities, trisomy 21, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and sex chromosomes as early as 10 weeks' gestation when the fetal fraction is usually more than 4%. It is the most sensitive and specific prenatal screening option for these conditions. Because it is a screening test, false-positive and false-negative results can occur.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act 2008: What clinicians should understand.

Purpose: To explain the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), what it covers, and what it does not cover to aid primary care practitioners in advising their patients.

Data Sources: Governmental agencies, congressional records, and various nongovernmental agencies, press releases, and journal articles.

Conclusions: The GINA will protect patients from employment and insurance information in multiple ways.