Myriad Genetics Prequel

Myriad Genetics commercially launched an enhanced version of the Prequel Prenatal Screen. The enhanced noninvasive prenatal screen analyzes 23 chromosome pairs instead of the standard five chromosomes (13, 18, 21, X and Y) it previously gauged. According to the company, the ability to assess additional chromosomes enhances the test's clinical utility by improving aneuploidy detection by 30 percent. Myriad is combining the NIPS Prequel tests with its Foresight Carrier Screen and is marketing them to all female patients, including women who have a high body mass index, are an ovum donor, or have a twin pregnancy. The expanded offering will be available for doctors to order on Feb. 19.