When can Free-Cell DNA testing be performed during pregnancy?

Free-Cell DNA testing, also known as cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) testing, can be performed at any point in pregnancy after 10 weeks gestation. This type of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) allows for the assessment of fetal chromosomal conditions by analyzing small fragments of fetal DNA that circulate in a pregnant woman's blood.

At around 10 weeks, the amount of fetal DNA in the maternal blood becomes sufficient to provide accurate testing results. Prior to this gestational age, there may not be enough fetal DNA to yield reliable results. The procedure can help in screening for conditions such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13, providing valuable information without the risks associated with invasive testing methods like amniocentesis.

Other options mentioned restrict the timing of the test either to a specific trimester, late in pregnancy, or during labor, which is not applicable as cfDNA testing is designated for use during earlier gestational stages for optimal screening efficacy. Any testing performed before 10 weeks may not provide the necessary accuracy, and performing it during labor is impractical, as the purpose of the test is to gather data about the fetus before delivery.