Conditions Screened
Which Chromosome Differences Are Screened For?
Currently, Multiple Marker Screening in Ontario (eFTS and STS) is OHIP-funded and can give you information about the following chromosome differences:
- trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
NIPT is either OHIP-funded or paid for out-of-pocket and can give you information about the following chromosome differences:
- trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
- sex chromosome differences (you can choose not to include sex chromosome differences when you have NIPT)
What Does Having a Chromosome Difference Mean?
Inside each of the cells in our body, there are string-like structures called chromosomes which package all of our DNA (genetic material). Having a chromosome difference means that the person has extra or missing chromosome material. When the unborn baby has a chromosome difference there may be long-term effects on health and learning. Sometimes having a chromosome difference can have severe effects and results in the loss of the pregnancy.
How Often do Chromosome Differences Happen?
Anyone has a chance to have a baby with trisomy 21 or trisomy 18. This chance increases with the age of the pregnant individual (or the age of egg donor). These chromosome differences usually happen by chance in the sperm or the egg that made the pregnancy, and do not generally run in families.
Nominate a Condition
Have your voice heard! Did you know you can nominate a condition for addition to the prenatal screening program in Ontario?
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