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What is QF-PCR?
Quantitative Fluorescence Polymerase Chain Reaction (QF-PCR) technique facilitates detection of Chromosomal condition using the samples collected through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. This is recommended when the non-invasive prenatal screening tests shows an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. QF-PCR technology can detect trisomies such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome & Patau syndrome, sex chromosome aneuploidies, submicroscopical deletions and duplications.
Conventional diagnostic techniques use fetal cell culture which may require several weeks to obtain the result while QF-PCR does not require cell culture and almost entirely automates to give rapid test results in a time period of 2 days. This technique employs fluorescent bound amplification of specific chromosomal regions, facilitating quantification and the detection of aneuploidy conditions.
QF - PCR Technology Advantage
Short tandem repeats (STRs), also known as microsatellites or simple sequence repeats, are short tandemly repeated DNA sequences that involve a repetitive unit. A Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis is one of the most useful methods which is used to compare specific loci on DNA from two or more samples. STR analysis measures the exact number of repeating units.
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Specification
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Karyotype
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Fish
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QF - PCR
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Automation
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No
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No
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Yes
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MCC
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No
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No
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Yes
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TAT
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21-30 Days
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2 Days
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<2 Days
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Sample Type
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Live cells
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Live cells
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DNA
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Culture
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Yes
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Yes / No
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No
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Sample Requirement
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High
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High
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Very Low
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Diagnostic
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Yes
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No**
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Yes
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**ACOG Guideliness of 2016, has considered FISH as a screening tool only for its false positive and false negative results.
Maternal Cell Contamination
To provide a timely and accurate interpretation, the laboratory and clinicians must be confident that the sample used for analysis is of purely fetal orgin.One of the risks associated with prenatal testing is maternal cell contamination (MCC), which can occur when a fetal specimen comes into contact with maternal blood or tissue.
The risk of MCC is associated with procedures such as chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis or extraction of fetal blood from the umbilical cord (Cord blood) and in product of conception (POC). If MCC is present, the maternal DNA may mask the results of any genetic testing performed on the fetal DNA thereby increas- ing the chances of false negative and false positives.
Contamination of a fetal specimen by maternal cells is a potential source of error in diagnostic prenatal. Even low levels of contamination that are below visual detection may negatively impact molecular, biochemical or cytogenetic results. Highly sensitive molecular testing methods help identi- fied the presence of MCC in any Prenatal sample.
STR markers are also used in accurate identification and quantification of MCC in prenatal samples thereby providing 100% accurate result
Technical Guidelines For MCC
Orbito Asia diagnostics QF-PCR Offerings
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QF- PCR BASIC
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QF- PCR EXTENDED
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Trisomies : 13, 18, 21
Gonosomal Aneuplodies + MCC
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Trisomies : 13, 18, 21, 15, 16, 22
Gonosomal Aneuplodies + MCC
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International Recommendations
India, May 2015
Performance of QF-PCR in targeted prenatal aneu- ploidy diagnosis: Indian scenario though QF-PCR is validated in many western countries, there are no studies conducted in India. This research study assessed the utility of QF-PCR as a standalone procedure in Indian clinical set-up. According to the study, the speci- ficity, sensitivity, positive prediction value, and nega- tive values of QF-PCR were 100% while false positive rate and false negative rate were 0% thus, the outcome suggests that this technique can be used as a standalone procedure for targeted rapid aneuploidy diagnosis
UK, April 2010
QF-PCR as a stand – alone test for prenatal sma- ples: the first 2 year experience in the London region The result shows that using QF-PCR as a stand – alone prenatal test for pregnancies with- out ultrasound abnormalities reduces costs, provides tests results and avoids ambiguous and uncertain karyotype results. thereby reduc- ing parental anxiety and unnecessary termina- tions
SOGC, September 2011
Use of a DNA Method, QF-PCR, in the prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidies SOGC recommends QF-PCR as a reliable method to detect trisomies and should replace conventional cytogenetic analysis whenever prenatal testing is performed solely because of an increased risk of aneuploidy in chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X or Y. Both conventional cytogenetics and QF-PCR should be performed in all cases of prenatal diagnosis referred for a fetal ultrasound abnormailty or a familial chromosomal rearragement.Spain, September 2010
Rapid aneuploidy testing versus traditional kary- otyping in amniocentesis for certain referral indications. This study suggests that QF-PCR directed to common aneuploidies can be con- sidered as an economically and clinically acceptable prenatal diagnosis policy, offering full karyotype only for specific indications.
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Frequently asked questions
Find answers to your lab service questions in our FAQ section
QF-PCR stands for Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is a molecular biology technique used for rapid prenatal screening of chromosomal abnormalities.
Risks of the Procedure Because radiation is not used, there is no risk of exposure to radiation during an MRI procedure. However, due to the use of the strong magnet, MRI cannot be performed on patients with: Implanted pacemakers. Intracranial aneurysm clips.
Turnaround times may vary, but we strive to provide results in a timely manner. Typically, you can expect results within [insert timeframe] after sample submission.
Yes, QF-PCR is considered a safe and non-invasive prenatal screening method. It is performed on a small blood sample from the mother, posing minimal risk to both the mother and the fetus.
QF-PCR amplifies specific regions of chromosomes using polymerase chain reaction and then analyzes the fluorescent signals to detect any abnormalities in the number of chromosomes.
Orbito Asia is a leading provider of molecular diagnostic services with a proven track record of accuracy and reliability. Our expert team and state-of-the-art facilities ensure high-quality results.
To request QF-PCR services, please [insert contact information or link to the request form]. Our customer support team will guide you through the process.
QF-PCR provides highly accurate results, but in some cases, further testing may be recommended for confirmation. Our team of experts will guide you through the next steps based on the results.
