Tuesday, HuffPostLive featured a discussion on prenatal testing for Down syndrome. You can watch the video at this link. Part of the discussion made me think of a very bizarre story from our past. Continue Reading
August 19, 2013
Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening is not the Holy Grail of Prenatal Testing, and it’s wrong to call it that
Last week, I asked if Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) is the "Holy Grail" of prenatal testing? Here's Part I of why it's not and Part II will cover why it's wrong to call it that. Continue Reading
August 16, 2013
Is Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening the “Holy Grail” of Prenatal Testing?
In her recent blog post at the Huffington Post, Dr. Anne Drapkin Lyerly, a doctor who chaired ACOG's ethics committee, says she has found the "Holy Grail" of prenatal testing in Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS). Is she correct? Continue Reading
August 13, 2013
Adam Wolfberg’s research says don’t offer new testing for Down syndrome to all moms
Actually, Adam Wolfberg recently said just the opposite. But, Wolfberg’s own research doesn’t support his recommendation. Continue Reading
August 1, 2013
“Not exactly a great scientific achievement”: prenatal testing in low risk populations
Yesterday's post generated a lot of discussion on Facebook and off-line about the role of maternal age and the incidence of Down syndrome. Today, we consider the value of prenatal screening for Down syndrome in relation to the mother's age. Continue Reading
July 30, 2013
How accurate is the new blood test for Down syndrome?
When receiving a test result from the new blood test for Down syndrome that says "positive," do patients understand there may be a one-in-five chance of a false positive? Or even a one-in-two, depending on the mother's age? Even genetic counselors admit this is difficult to grasp. Continue Reading
July 29, 2013
Accuracy of Down syndrome blood test remains unknown
It is coming up on two years since Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) was introduced. The New England Journal of Medicine recently featured an article raising concern over how the new blood test for Down syndrome is being used. It cautions against the new test being used in the general population. Continue Reading
July 17, 2013
On Down syndrome prenatal testing, they don’t get to have it both ways
The recent press releases by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the video above show the inconsistency in policy positions in obstetric care. Regarding Down syndrome prenatal testing, they shouldn't get to have it both ways. Continue Reading
June 14, 2013
It’s not about information; it’s about selling information
Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court ruled that genes cannot be patented. This may not stop competing NIPS labs from trying to enjoin their competitors. But, the ruling reveals a point that gets lost in the celebration of genomics. Continue Reading
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