Evenings with Genetics explains prenatal genetic testing

Prenatal genetic testing is a tool for future parents to learn about their baby’s health before birth. But with many testing options available, it can be hard to know when to test and which test to use. Baylor College of Medicine genetics experts will discuss the options in noninvasive prenatal testing for chromosomal and single-gene disorders during the Evenings with Genetics virtual seminar on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m.

During the hourlong webinar, Veena Mathur, instructor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor, will explain the technology behind noninvasive prenatal testing, as well as its benefits, limitations and applications during pregnancy. Dr. April Adams, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and molecular and human genetics at Baylor, and Susan Darilek, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics and co-manager of prenatal genetics service at Baylor, will also join the panel to answer questions.

 “NIPT has been clinically available for pregnant women since 2011, but quite a few things have changed in terms of how the testing works and what conditions can be detected,” Mathur said. “Now it has the ability to screen for some rarer genetic conditions, with more on the horizon.  Even for those in our audience that aren’t planning to have children immediately, I hope they’ll learn something they can share with friends and family who are.”

Evenings with Genetics is a regular speaker series hosted by Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital that offers the most current information on care and research advances for many genetic conditions. The seminars provide an opportunity for families in the genetics community to interact with others experiencing similar situations.

The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants the day before the seminar. For more information, call 713-798-8407 or visit the event registration page.