There are several important differences between cfDNA screening and diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis.

cfDNA is a screening test, which means that it cannot give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer for whether a pregnancy has a chromosome condition. It can give a ‘high risk’ or ‘low risk’ estimate, but there are many factors that determine how accurate the result is for your pregnancy. It is important to talk with your provider about your cfDNA screening results to understand what they mean for your pregnancy.

Diagnostic tests, such as CVS and amniocentesis, can provide definitive ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers for chromosome conditions. However, there is a risk for miscarriage with either of these diagnostic tests. The level of risk depends on many factors, including how far along you are, and the experience of the doctor performing the procedure.

It is important to remember that any prenatal testing, screening or diagnostic, is always voluntary. The decision about whether to pursue this type of testing should be done after you have all of the information to make an informed choice that is best for you and your family.