Non-invasive prenatal screening for genetic conditions

Comprehensive and non-invasive prenatal screening of coding variation

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10910871

This study is looking to make prenatal blood tests even better at spotting a wider variety of genetic conditions in babies by analyzing tiny bits of DNA from the mother's blood, and it's for expectant parents who want more detailed information about their baby's health.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10910871 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) by analyzing cell-free fetal DNA from maternal blood to detect a wider range of genetic conditions. The study aims to enhance the resolution of current screening methods, which typically only identify a limited number of chromosomal abnormalities. By using advanced statistical models and integrating phenotype data, the researchers hope to better interpret and prioritize genetic variations found in the samples. The project will involve testing 100 samples alongside fetal exome sequencing to refine these techniques.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals seeking non-invasive prenatal testing for a broader range of genetic conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not wish to undergo genetic screening may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and comprehensive prenatal screenings, allowing for earlier detection of genetic conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing non-invasive prenatal screening techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.