QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction for Chromosomes 13, 18, 21 with Maternal Cell Contamination Test; Rapid Aneuploidy Detection with MCC |
| Sample Type | Foetal sample (chorionic villus/amniotic fluid) and maternal blood sample |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Pregnant women undergoing prenatal genetic testing |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,500 |
What Is a QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test?
The QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC test is a rapid prenatal genetic test. It checks whether a developing baby has an abnormal number of chromosomes 13, 18 or 21. At the same time, it confirms that the foetal sample has not been contaminated with the mother's cells, a step known as the Maternal Cell Contamination (MCC) check. This test is also called Rapid Aneuploidy Detection with MCC. It is prescribed for pregnant women who have undergone amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and are at higher risk of foetal chromosomal abnormalities.
What Does a QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test Measure?
The QFPCR 3 Probes with MCC test analyses foetal DNA markers on three chromosomes and checks for sample purity. The table below describes what each component evaluates.
| Component | What It Checks |
|---|---|
| Chromosome 13 copy number | Whether the foetus has the normal two copies of chromosome 13 or excess copies |
| Chromosome 18 copy number | Whether the foetus has the normal two copies of chromosome 18 or excess copies |
| Chromosome 21 copy number | Whether the foetus has the normal two copies of chromosome 21 or excess copies |
| STR marker profiles | Short tandem repeat patterns used to detect mosaicism (a mix of normal and abnormal cells) and confirm sample identity and twin pregnancies |
| Maternal Cell Contamination (MCC) | Whether any maternal cells or DNA has entered the foetal sample, which could affect the reliability of results |
Why Is a QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test Done?
The QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) test procedure is used when a doctor needs a rapid and reliable result from foetal genetic material. It is an important part of the prenatal diagnostic process for high-risk pregnancies.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not triggered by symptoms in the usual sense. Instead, it is ordered based on specific clinical findings during pregnancy. The following clinical findings or circumstances often lead a doctor to recommend the QFPCR 3 Probes with MCC test:
- Advanced maternal age (35 years or older)
- Abnormal results from serum screening tests during pregnancy
- Abnormal findings detected during routine prenatal monitoring
- Unusual findings such as increased nuchal translucency on an ultrasound scan
- A previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal abnormality
- A family history of chromosomal conditions
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC test can help identify the following conditions:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome): caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 and the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome): caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18 and associated with abnormalities affecting multiple organ systems
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome): caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13 and associated with a range of developmental abnormalities
- Triploidy: a condition in which a foetus has 69 chromosomes instead of the usual 46
QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test During Pregnancy
This test is used exclusively during pregnancy as part of prenatal diagnosis. It is performed after an invasive procedure such as amniocentesis or CVS, which collects foetal material for analysis. Getting rapid results is especially important during pregnancy, as it helps reduce parental anxiety and allows families and healthcare teams to make informed decisions in a timely manner.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, understanding the procedure and what is involved will help you feel more at ease.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the QFPCR 3 Probes with MCC test procedure. There are no dietary restrictions to follow in advance.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following points will help ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results and current medications. This is required for the test.
- Duly complete the Form-G with complete clinical history, most recent address and mobile number.
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, particularly blood thinners such as aspirin, before the sample collection procedure.
- A separate maternal blood sample is collected alongside the foetal sample for the MCC component of the test.
- Genetic counselling is typically recommended both before and after the test to help you understand the results.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form before the sample collection procedure takes place.
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires two types of samples: a foetal sample and a maternal blood sample. Both are collected by a trained specialist in a clinical setting. Here is what to expect:
Foetal Sample Collection (Chorionic Villus Sample or Amniotic Fluid):
- Your doctor will review your clinical history and confirm the reason for the test.
- If a chorionic villus sample (CVS) is used (usually from 11 weeks onwards), a needle is used to obtain a small piece of tissue from the placenta.
- If amniocentesis is used (usually around 16 weeks of pregnancy), a fine needle is guided through the abdomen into the uterus using ultrasound, and a small amount of amniotic fluid is collected.
- Both procedures are guided by ultrasound to ensure accuracy and safety.
Maternal Blood Sample Collection:
- A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. This is used separately for the maternal cell contamination (MCC) analysis to confirm that no maternal DNA has entered the foetal sample.
- All samples are stored in appropriate containers and kept refrigerated until they reach the laboratory.
- The laboratory performs DNA extraction and QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC test analysis, and results are ready within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect the reliability of the test result:
- Blood-stained or very small samples may reduce test quality
- Maternal cells present in the foetal sample (MCC) can affect the analysis; this is why the MCC component is included
- Delayed transport of samples to the laboratory can affect outcomes
- Mosaicism (a mix of normal and abnormal cells) may be detected only when it exceeds approximately 15% of cells
Understanding Your QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test Results
Results from this test indicate whether chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 are present in normal or abnormal numbers and whether the sample was free from maternal contamination. Your results should always be reviewed by a qualified doctor or genetic counsellor. The table below provides general reference information for the key parameters.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Abnormal Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chromosome 13 | Two copies (disomy) | Three copies (trisomy 13, Patau syndrome) |
| Chromosome 18 | Two copies (disomy) | Three copies (trisomy 18, Edwards syndrome) |
| Chromosome 21 | Two copies (disomy) | Three copies (trisomy 21, Down syndrome) |
| Allele ratio | 0.8 to 1.4 (two copies) | 0.45 to 0.65 or 1.8 to 2.4 (three copies) |
| MCC Status | Not detected | Detected (may require repeat or further testing) |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can affect how results are read:
- In samples with significant blood staining, maternal cells may be present in the foetal sample; in such cases, analysis of cultured cells may be recommended instead.
- Confined placental mosaicism (where some placental cells carry a chromosomal abnormality that the foetus does not) can occasionally lead to a discrepancy between CVS-based QFPCR results and the actual foetal chromosome pattern.
- When mosaicism is present in the foetal sample, QFPCR can generally detect the abnormal cell line only when it accounts for more than 15% of cells. A supplementary test may be recommended.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test does not measure levels that can be altered through lifestyle changes. However, the following general steps support a healthy pregnancy:
- Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and complete recommended tests as advised by your doctor.
- Discuss your results with a genetic counsellor, who can explain what they mean for your pregnancy.
- Follow your doctor's guidance regarding any recommended follow-up testing.
Lupin Diagnostics QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test Price
The QFPCR 3 Probes with MCC test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹3,500. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for this procedure.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 3500 |
| CHENNAI | 3500 |
| HYDERABAD | 3500 |
| KOLKATA | 3500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 3500 |
| PUNE | 3500 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
The QFPCR 3 Probes with MCC test online booking process is simple. Follow these steps:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC test is a rapid prenatal diagnostic test. It detects abnormal chromosome numbers (specifically trisomies of chromosomes 13, 18 and 21) in foetal cells. The MCC component confirms that the sample being analysed contains only foetal DNA, not maternal DNA. Results are typically available within 72 hours of sample receipt.
Maternal cells in a foetal sample can lead to inaccurate genetic results. The MCC test checks whether the foetal sample has been contaminated with maternal DNA. Confirming the sample is purely foetal ensures the chromosome analysis is reliable and reduces the risk of misdiagnosis.
Two samples are required: a foetal sample (either amniotic fluid or chorionic villus tissue) collected via amniocentesis or CVS, and a separate maternal blood sample for the MCC analysis. Both are collected at a clinical centre under specialist supervision.
The QFPCR 3 Probes with MCC test has a report turnaround time of 3 days. Because QF-PCR does not require cell culture, it is significantly faster than traditional chromosome analysis methods.
No. The QFPCR 3 Probes with MCC test home collection is not available because the foetal sample must be collected through a clinical procedure (amniocentesis or CVS) by a trained specialist using ultrasound guidance. A centre visit is required.
This test has very high analytical accuracy, with studies reporting sensitivity of approximately 98.9% and specificity of 100% for detecting the common trisomies. In large validation studies, no false positive results were observed. Your doctor may recommend additional tests if your result needs further clarification.
QFPCR 3 Probes (13, 18, 21) with MCC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
