QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | QF-PCR with MCC Test, Rapid Aneuploidy Testing with MCC, Chromosome 13, 18, 21, X, Y Analysis with Maternal Cell Contamination Testing |
| Sample Type | Chorionic villus (CVS), amniotic fluid, cord blood, products of conception (POC), whole blood, peripheral blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | Pregnant women undergoing prenatal diagnosis, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies; investigation of miscarriage or stillbirth; postnatal confirmation of suspected chromosomal disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,250 |
What Is a QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test?
The QFPCR – 5 probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC test is a specialised genetic test used in prenatal diagnosis. It checks for abnormal chromosome numbers (known as aneuploidies) involving chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. It also includes a Maternal Cell Contamination (MCC) check, which confirms that the foetal sample has not been mixed with the mother's cells, ensuring the result is accurate.
This test is also called QF-PCR with MCC test, rapid aneuploidy testing with MCC, or chromosome 13, 18, 21, X, Y analysis with maternal cell contamination testing. It is carried out on samples collected from the foetus or pregnancy tissue, depending on the clinical situation.
What Does a QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test Measure?
The QFPCR – 5 probes with MCC test analyses specific chromosomes using a technique called fragment analysis. It detects how many copies of each chromosome are present in the foetal sample. Here is what each component checks:
| Component | What It Checks |
|---|---|
| Chromosome 13 | Whether an extra or missing copy is present (linked to Patau syndrome) |
| Chromosome 18 | Whether an extra copy is present (linked to Edwards syndrome) |
| Chromosome 21 | Whether an extra copy is present (linked to Down syndrome) |
| Chromosome X | Number of X chromosomes (relevant to sex chromosome conditions) |
| Chromosome Y | Presence or absence of the Y chromosome (determines biological sex and detects sex chromosome abnormalities) |
| Maternal Cell Contamination (MCC) | Whether maternal DNA has entered the fetal sample, which could affect result reliability |
Why Is a QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test Done?
This test is ordered when there is a clinical need to rapidly assess foetal chromosomes. The results help doctors and families make informed decisions in consultation with a genetic counsellor.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The test is not symptom-driven in the traditional sense; it is ordered based on clinical findings. The following situations commonly lead a doctor to recommend it:
- Abnormal findings on a foetal ultrasound, such as increased nuchal translucency or hypoplastic nasal bone
- A positive result from non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for chromosome aneuploidies
- Positive maternal serum screening for chromosomal abnormalities
- A previous pregnancy or child affected by a chromosomal condition
- A history of recurrent miscarriages
- A known chromosomal rearrangement in one or both parents
- Investigation following a pregnancy loss (miscarriage or stillbirth)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The QFPCR – 5 probes with MCC test can identify the following chromosomal conditions:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), an extra copy of chromosome 21, associated with characteristic physical features and learning differences
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), an extra copy of chromosome 18, associated with significant congenital abnormalities
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), an extra copy of chromosome 13, associated with severe physical and neurological differences
- Turner syndrome (45,X), partial or complete absence of one X chromosome in females
- Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), an extra X chromosome in males
- Other sex chromosome aneuploidies, including Triple X (XXX) and XYY syndromes
- Triploidy (three complete sets of chromosomes)
QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test During Pregnancy
This test is specifically designed for prenatal diagnosis and is a key part of high-risk pregnancy management. It offers a faster turnaround than traditional chromosome analysis (karyotyping), making it particularly useful when rapid results are needed. Samples are collected through procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) between 10 and 13 weeks, or amniocentesis from around 15 to 16 weeks, depending on gestational age and clinical situation.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation depends on the sample type being collected. Your doctor and genetic counsellor will provide specific instructions based on your clinical situation.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Always follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your sample is collected:
- Complete genetic counselling before the test, as recommended by your healthcare provider
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test (Form-G must also be submitted)
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking
- A maternal blood sample is collected alongside the fetal sample for the MCC analysis
- Follow all specific preparation instructions given by your doctor for the sample collection procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure
The QFPCR – 5 probes with MCC test procedure varies depending on the sample type. Below is an overview of how each sample is collected:
- Your doctor reviews your clinical history and Form-G before any sample is collected. The appropriate sample type is chosen based on your stage of pregnancy or clinical indication.
- For CVS samples, a small amount of placental tissue is collected at around 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, either through the abdomen or cervix, under ultrasound guidance. The tissue is placed in a sterile container for transport.
- For amniotic fluid samples, a thin needle is guided through the abdomen into the amniotic sac under ultrasound at around 15 to 18 weeks. Approximately 15 to 20 ml of fluid is withdrawn and sent to the laboratory.
- For cord blood samples (cordocentesis), a needle is guided by ultrasound into the umbilical cord vein, typically after 18 weeks, to collect foetal blood into EDTA tubes.
- For products of conception (POC) samples, foetal tissue collected following a miscarriage or pregnancy termination is placed in sterile saline or transport medium and sent promptly to the lab.
- For postnatal whole blood or peripheral blood samples, a venous blood draw is taken from the newborn or infant into EDTA tubes. A maternal blood sample is also collected at the same time for MCC comparison. All samples are stored refrigerated (2 to 8°C) and dispatched to the laboratory without delay.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Blood contamination in the foetal sample (particularly in CVS or amniotic fluid)
- Insufficient sample volume or poor sample quality
- High levels of maternal cell contamination, which may require follow-up karyotyping
- Low-level mosaicism (where some cells have a different chromosome count) below 10% may not be detected
- Delay or incorrect temperature during sample storage or transport
Understanding Your QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test Results
Results are reported as normal (the expected number of chromosomes is present) or abnormal (an unexpected number of chromosomes is detected). A doctor or genetic counsellor should always review your results alongside your clinical history and ultrasound findings. Below is a summary of what normal findings look like:
| Parameter | Normal Result |
|---|---|
| Chromosome 13 | 2 copies (disomic) |
| Chromosome 18 | 2 copies (disomic) |
| Chromosome 21 | 2 copies (disomic) |
| Chromosome X | 2 copies in females; 1 copy in males |
| Chromosome Y | 1 copy in males; 0 copies in females |
| MCC | No maternal alleles detected in fetal sample |
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 situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- CVS samples carry a higher risk of maternal cell contamination than amniotic fluid, as it is more difficult to fully separate maternal tissue from foetal cells during collection. If contamination is detected, further testing may be required.
- Low-level mosaicism, where only a small proportion of cells carry a chromosomal abnormality, may not always be picked up by this test. Mosaic Turner syndrome (45,X/46,XX) may be missed in some cases.
- Blood-stained amniotic fluid samples may produce unreliable results and may need to be repeated.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test does not monitor ongoing health markers, these general tips support a healthy pregnancy:
- Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and follow your doctor's guidance throughout pregnancy
- Maintain a balanced diet with adequate folic acid, iron, and other nutrients recommended during pregnancy
- Discuss your results with a genetic counsellor, who can help you understand what they mean and guide next steps
Lupin Diagnostics QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test Price
The QFPCR – 5 probes with MCC test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹4,250. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre. QFPCR – 5 probes with MCC test home collection are not available due to the specialised nature of sample collection. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4250 |
| CHENNAI | 4250 |
| HYDERABAD | 4250 |
| KOLKATA | 4250 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4250 |
| PUNE | 4250 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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
This test is used to rapidly check whether a foetus has an abnormal number of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, or Y. It also confirms whether the foetal sample is free from maternal cell contamination. It is typically ordered during high-risk pregnancies or to investigate pregnancy loss.
If maternal cells enter the foetal sample during collection, they can interfere with the genetic analysis and lead to inaccurate results. The MCC component compares the foetal and maternal DNA to confirm the sample tested is genuinely from the foetus.
The QFPCR – 5 probes with MCC test specifically analyses five chromosomes and delivers results faster and at lower cost than karyotyping. Karyotyping examines all 46 chromosomes and can detect a wider range of abnormalities. Both tests may sometimes be used together, especially if this test returns an abnormal result.
No. This test only checks chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. It cannot detect single gene disorders, small chromosomal deletions or duplications, balanced rearrangements, or abnormalities involving other chromosomes. Your doctor will advise if additional testing is needed.
An abnormal result should be discussed with your doctor and a genetic counsellor as soon as possible. Further confirmatory testing, such as karyotyping, may be recommended. Counselling will help you understand what the result means and what options are available.
Yes. Form-G and a detailed clinical history are required before this test can be processed. Please ensure these documents are submitted at the time of sample collection. Your doctor or the Lupin Diagnostics team can assist you if you are unsure what to bring.
QFPCR – 5 Probes (13, 18, 21, X, Y) with MCC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
