Notice to NT, NB, TF Course Participants

NOTICE TO FMF NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY AND
NASAL BONE COURSE PARTICIPANTS

NT/freeBeta/PAPP-A is an option for all pregnant women and meets the FMF and FMF USA National NT and NB Standards.

Your laboratory of choice for combining your FMF NT and NB assessments and freeBeta/PAPP-A biochemistry should have the following features. Please note the differences between NT/NB/freeBeta/PAPP-A and other tests:

  • FMF NT/NB compatible algortihm for NT/NB/dried blood/freeBeta/PAPP-A risks for Down syndrome, Trisomy 18/13, for singletons, twins (mono- and di-chorionic specific), diabetic patients and FMF NT/NB risks for higher multiples. These tests and risk assessments are not provided by non-FMF database labs.
  • Investigational hCG, sequential, and integrated screens use a non- FMF NT database which is not compatible with your FMF-NT measurements.  The NON FMF NT database is based on smaller, averaged NT measurements.  Therefore, your larger FMF NTs should be sent to GeneCare.
  • DRIED Blood Collection stabilizes blood markers which cuts screen positives in half and raises detection.
  • Dried blood PAPP-A with freeBeta hCG, not Intact hCG.  No hCG studies have been published which shows equivalent results to freeBeta or document a benefit of hCG.  FreeBeta (2.0 MOM) detection is 8-10% higher than hCG (1.2 MOM). Dried blood FMF-NT/freeBeta/PAPP-A detection = 91% at 2.4% screen positives vs. hCG with PAPP-A/NT = 80-83% at 5% screen positive based on 438 patients in the non-FMF SURUSS trial. Adding FMF Nasal Bone to NT/freeBeta/PAPP-A increases detection to 95% at 2% screen positives.  The British SURUSS Trial with data modeled on only 438 NON FMF NT and biochemistry 11-13 week patients does not qualify as a valid study to use for evidence based medicine. The SURUSS and FASTER trial data are modeled.  The FASTER freeBeta data is based on a discountintued reagent, and  hCG was studied retroactive and so the freeBeta and hCG data do not qualify for evidence based medicine to determine freeBeta or hCG effectiveness in the USA.
  • Continuous QC review of your NT data quarterly by GeneCare and yearly submitted by GeneCare to the FMF USA for your NT Certificate Renewal.  Non-FMF database labs are not associated with the FMF USA NT, NB, or TF annual certificate renewal.
  • Pregnancy outcomes for your practice.
  • GeneCare accepts FMF USA and NTQR certificates.

Only dried blood FMF NT/NB/freeBeta/PAPP-A screening is compatible with your FMF accreditations provides your patients 91% Down syndrome detection or 95% detection with Nasal Bone added, at the lowest screen positive rate of 2% for low risk patients.

Supporting documentation is avilable for your review.  We provide consults from board certified genetic counselors and geneticists as well as billing support.  Please call us with any questions at (800) 277-4363.