LifeLabs Offers Better Access to Canadian-Based Prenatal Screening Test

LifeLabs reported that expectant mothers all across Canada are taking advantage of improved access to a simple blood test that can provide important information about their pregnancy, including if their baby is at risk for fetal problems and genetic conditions, at as early as nine weeks gestation.
According to the press release:

The Panorama Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is the most accurate prenatal test available and has been performed by LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services (“LifeLabs”) at its genetics lab in Toronto since October 2015. LifeLabs is the first Canadian laboratory to perform NIPT in Canada, which can decrease the need for invasive tests like amniocentesis in many pregnancies.

Sue Paish President and CEO of LifeLabs commented:

Since beginning to offer the test in October, interest and uptake by healthcare professionals and their patients has been tremendous. In less than three months LifeLabs is now performing the pre-natal test for expectant mothers in all ten provinces. By conducting this test in Canada, Canadians have better access to the test and are receiving results faster. Our healthcare system is also realizing meaningful savings.

Click here to view the full press release.