Development of Non-invasive Prenatal Screening Test for Microdeletions Based on Fetal DNA Isolated From Maternal Blood

Development of Non-invasive Prenatal Diagnostic Test for Microdeletion/Microduplication and Other Genetic Disorders Based on Fetal DNA Isolated From Maternal Blood

The purpose of this study is to collect maternal blood samples from pregnant women carrying a fetus with a confirmed diagnosis of chromosomal abnormality or genetic disorder including microdeletions in order to further develop a non-invasive prenatal screening test based on fetal DNA isolated from maternal blood.

The goal of this study is to further develop a non-invasive prenatal blood test that can diagnose genetic disorders in the fetus by looking at fetal DNA (genetic material) found in the mother's bloodstream during pregnancy.

Women carrying a fetus diagnosed with microdeletions/microduplications (small missing or extra pieces of DNA that can cause problems), aneuploidy (trisomy 21, 18, or 13) or other genetic disorders will be asked to participate.

If this study is successful, it will reduce the need for invasive procedures during pregnancy such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) but still enable women to find out accurate information regarding their baby's health early in the pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 or older at enrollment
• Gestation age of at least 9 weeks, 0 days by best obstetrical estimate
• One or more fetuses with a clinically confirmed diagnosis of a genetic variant of interest via karyotype, FISH, chromosomal microarray or other genetic assay AND/OR
• One or more fetuses with any variant of fetal structure that is expected to require medical or surgical intervention in the newborn period, shorten lifespan, affect intellectual development or otherwise indicate a genetic anomaly AND/OR
• Positive high risk noninvasive prenatal screening or serum screening result
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

•Maternal history of bone marrow or organ transplantation