Hungary sees 116% growth in non-invasive prenatal testing

Hungary sees 116% growth in non-invasive prenatal testing

Hungary sees 116% growth in non-invasive prenatal testing | BGI perspectives

The 17th International Conference of Genomics (ICG-17), jointly organized by BGI Genomics in Riga, offered food for thought on the current status of genetic research and where it will develop. Ms. Anna Kékesi, a molecular biologist from the Budapest Genetic Diagnostics Center, shared her perspectives on the experience with non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in Hungary and the challenges ahead.

Ms. Anna Kekesi

Photo credit: BGI Genomics

Ms. Kékesi highlights that Hungary's antenatal health services are mainly divided into publicly and privately funded examinations, with public hospitals offering four ultrasound sessions and chromosome examinations above the maternal age of 37, while private health institutes offer NIPT services.

The growth of NIPT in Hungary

Growing popularity of NIPT in Hungary

Photo credit: BGI Genomics​​​​​​​

Since 2015, NIPT has grown steadily. From 2018 to 2021, NIPT grew 116%. In 2021, about 90,000 babies were born and 12,000 NIPT tests were performed in Hungary, accounting for 13% of the population. Parents are increasingly choosing this testing method, even though they have to pay for it themselves. "Last year we performed almost six thousand NIPT tests and covered 50% of the Hungarian market. I think that's a pretty high number."

Growing popularity of NIPT in Hungary

To explain the popularity of BGIs REFINED Solution, emphasizes Ms. Kékesi: "Why is NIFTY a professional test? Because it detects 94 different chromosomal changes and 84 microdeletion/microduplication syndromes. It has validated a very high number of cases worldwide, more than 9.4 million NIFTY tests performed worldwide. I can tell you that NIFTY is not just a test. It is a very high quality NIPT service in our clinic and for all of Hungary."

Examples of NIPT accuracy

To highlight NIPT accuracy, Ms. Kékesi cites examples where non-invasive tests agreed with invasive test results.

She noted, "We had two cases with positive NIFTY for Down syndrome. To further assess the situation, we performed chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Such tests also showed the same results. This is very important and shows the high sensitivity of the." NIFTY Test Pro, as both cases showed placental mosaicism. This means NIFTY can detect Down syndrome when the placenta produces normal lines, but it can also see the fetus.”

The Hungarian NIFTY model

The center works with 200 partners across the country. The first step is a pre-test consultation, usually with clinical geneticists. The doctor lists the advantages and disadvantages. The next step is a blood draw. The patient must then fill out the required form and administer samples. The center's laboratory then carries out plasma separation and report validation. The last but very important step is a follow-up consultation where the mother is informed of the results.

When to choose NIPT

When asked about the candidates for non-invasive prenatal testing, Ms. Kékesi says: "We offer NIPT if the mother's age is over 35 years, if there is a medium/high risk for the combined test, if the risk is less than 1/100, or if chromosomal abnormalities occurred during a previous pregnancy, and also if the mother is afraid of invasive prenatal testing due to the risk of miscarriage."

The importance of patient education and support

When it comes to spreading NIPT awareness, Ms. Kékesi emphasizes the importance of long-term communication efforts. Together with the team at the Budapest Genetic Diagnostics Center, she has been educating patients via the Internet, media and magazines for nine years.

If the test results are positive, further care is just as important: "Of course, we always offer help. In 80% of these positive cases, follow-up care takes place in our clinic. Even at other institutes, it is always with us." contact the doctors there and offer help to the patient by evaluating each different situation.

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18yi8wbUIu8

About NIFTY®: Non-invasive prenatal testing

To learn more about the NIFTY® test – the world's leading non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), please read our website. The NIFTY test is suitable for pregnant women from 10 weeks of pregnancy, with an estimated turnaround time of less than seven days. Over 10,000,000 NIFTY samples will be processed by 2021.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading provider of integrated solutions for precision medicine. In July 2017, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange as a subsidiary of BGI Group.

For the seventh consecutive year, BGI has topped the rankings of life sciences corporate institutions in Asia Pacific and China published in the Nature Index 2022 annual tables.

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