Maternal cell contamination (MCC) occurs when a fetal sample, such as amniotic fluid, chorionic villus, or fetal tissue, contains maternal cells or DNA, leading to potential misdiagnosis in prenatal genetic testing. Contamination can interfere with the accuracy of chromosomal and molecular assays, affecting the interpretation of aneuploidy, single-gene disorders, and microarray-based testing. MCC analysis is crucial to ensure that only fetal DNA is analysed, reducing the risk of false-positive or false-negative results in prenatal diagnostics.
| Step | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Collection | Collection of fetal-derived sample. | Sample obtained from amniotic fluid, chorionic villus (CVS), umbilical cord blood, fetal tissue, or product of conception (POC) after pregnancy loss. |
| Maternal DNA Extraction | Collection of maternal reference DNA. | A maternal blood sample is collected separately to compare with the fetal sample. Maternal DNA is extracted for contamination analysis. |
| Fetal DNA Extraction & Purification | Isolating fetal genetic material. | DNA is extracted from the fetal sample and purified to ensure accurate testing without interference. |
| Fragment analysis and reporting | Comparison between mother and fetal DNA. | The analysis outcome is reported. |
Ensures accurate detection of maternal DNA in fetal samples.
Results are available within 2 working days, allowing timely clinical decisions for prenatal and fetal genetic testing.
The automated process at MedGenome ensures that patients receive accurate reports hassle-free.
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