Harmony NIPT with 22q11.2 Screening

Dynacare Prenatal Solutions offers you increased peace of mind with additional screening for 22q11.2 deletion, a condition associated with heart defects, poor immune system function, low calcium levels which can lead to seizures, cleft palate, and delayed development. Research suggests that without screening, the syndrome is often missed due to symptom variability.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by a missing piece of chromosome 22. It occurs in about 1 in 1,000 pregnancies. The majority of children with 22q11.2 deletion have heart defects, immune system problems, learning challenges, and specific facial features. Some children with the condition also have intellectual disability, feeding problems, speech delays, low calcium levels, kidney problems, and/or seizures. Children with 22q11.2 deletion have an increased chance of autism, and may develop psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia later in life.

Early prenatal testing for 22q11.2 deletion provides families and doctors with important information in order to properly care for the pregnancy and the newborn. Babies with 22q11.2 deletion may have special healthcare needs. Some babies with 22q11.2 deletion need surgery in the newborn period.