Temporary Twin MOH Criteria for Funded Test Extended to March 31, 2022

UPDATE: EXTENDED TO MARCH 31, 2022

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PATIENTS AND CLINICS IN ONTARIO ONLY

New, temporary criteria for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing in Ontario will improve access to NIPT: The COVID-19 crisis has reduced patient access to ultrasounds for nuchal translucency measurement used along with the enhanced first trimester screen (eFTS). Acting on advice from the Prenatal Screening Ontario (PSO) and the BORN Registry, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has approved new, temporary guidelines and indications for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing. The new guidelines improve access to prenatal screening and are applicable to LifeLabs’ Panorama NIPT service.

Please note:

• NIPT is now also available for women who receive a high-risk result from Quad Screening. The risk threshold for quad screening has been adjusted to provide at least the same sensitivity as eFTS. Patients are eligible for Quad Screening at 14 weeks gestation.
• For women pregnant with twins, order an NT, and if an NT is not available, then funding will now be available for NIPT and can be ordered by any physician or nurse practitioner as a Category I. No need for referral to a specialist.
• LifeLabs continues to provide the Panorama NIPT test with normal reporting times and service levels, however, some service centres are temporarily closed or operating under reduced service hours. Patients should check our LifeLabs website to find an open patient service centre.
• These new guidelines are in effect until at least March 31, 2022. For more information, directly from PSO, visit the Prenatal Screening Ontario website. 
  For more information about LifeLabs Genetics and the Panorama test, please visit our Panorama page.

R. F. Carter, PhD, FCCMG
Lab Director