Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Verifi

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Verifi

Detect genetic abnormalities through fetal DNA analysis in maternal blood.

Accurate, reliable, and non-invasive prenatal tests

Non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT), such as Harmony and Verifi, are available starting from the 10th week of pregnancy, with results available within 5 to 10 business days. These tests screen for the risk of trisomies 21, 18, 13, and other genetic abnormalities in the fetus. These prenatal tests are offered with or without an appointment and upon presentation of a medical requisition.

Comparison Between Verifi and Harmony Prenatal Tests

Both Harmony and Verifi tests offer very high reliability rates and analyze fetal DNA found in maternal blood. The Harmony test uses targeted chromosome analysis, while the Verifi test relies on whole-genome sequencing.

HARMONY

Test performed through fetal DNA analysis using a maternal blood sample.

When to take the test: from the 10th week of pregnancy

Blood sample : 2 tubes of maternal blood collected

The test detects:

  • The main trisomies (21, 18, and 13)
  • The fetal sex

Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days

Failure rate* : 3%

$499

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VERIFI

Test performed through fetal DNA analysis using a maternal blood sample.

When to take the test: from the 10th week of pregnancy

Blood sample : 1 tubesof maternal blood collected

The test detects:

  • The main trisomies (21, 18, and 13)
  • The fetal sex

Turnaround time: 5 to 7 business days

Failure rate* : 0.6%

$499

This service includes a telephone call with our specialized nursing staff to answer your questions before or after your visit.

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*Failure rate: The probability that the laboratory cannot provide a clear result.

Most private insurers reimburse all or most of these charges. We recommend that you check with your insurer.

What is the purpose of an NIPT?

Performing non-invasive prenatal screening early in pregnancy can determine very quickly if there is a high probability of your baby carrying a screened trisomy, specifically:

  • Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
  • Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
  • Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)

Starting at the 10th week of pregnancy, enough placental DNA is released into the mother’s bloodstream to allow NIPT testing. The test targets this DNA to screen for chromosomal conditions, specifically trisomies 21, 18 and 13.

Where to get a prenatal screening test at Biron

Find a collection clinic near you for your prenatal screening. More than 70 points of service offer this analysis in the following regions:

  • Montreal: Côte-Saint-Luc, Pointe-Claire, Mount Royal, Pierrefonds, Outremont, Châteauguay.
  • Laval: Fabreville, Chomedey, Duvernay, Sainte-Dorothée.
  • Montérégie: Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Boucherville.
  • Lanaudière: Terrebonne, Repentigny.
  • Laurentians: Saint-Jérôme, Blainville, Mirabel.
  • Mauricie: Trois-Rivières.
  • Estrie: Sherbrooke, Magog, Granby, Bromont.
  • Quebec City & Surroundings: Beauport and Lévis.
  • Centre-du-Québec: Victoriaville.

Why is non-invasive prenatal screening important?

While NIPT is recommended for all pregnant individuals who wish to know the risk of genetic abnormalities, certain factors make this screening even more important:

  • You had a previous pregnancy where the baby had trisomy 21, 18, or 13.
  • You will be 40 years of age or older at the time of delivery.
  • You are carrying twins.

If the test results indicate a higher risk or if there is uncertainty, a doctor will recommend a diagnostic test, such as an amniocentesis.

Have questions about prenatal screening? Talk to your doctor.

Have questions about prenatal screening? Talk to your doctor.

Our guide and order form are designed to help you initiate the conversation with your doctor during your pregnancy follow-up.

Download the guide
Download the requisition

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

How does trisomy screening work?

What is the price of prenatal screening tests like Harmony and Verifi?

How should I prepare for the prenatal screening test?

Do I also need a nuchal translucency ultrasound?

Is a prenatal screening test possible for a pregnancy with twins?

Is the fetal DNA test (NIPT) reimbursed by the RAMQ?

What does a "trisomy not detected" result mean?

What does a "high risk" or "detected" result mean?

Should I have an amniocentesis?