SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 21, 2026
Myriad Genetics has officially launched the FirstGene® Multiple Prenatal Screen, introducing what the company describes as the first laboratory test capable of performing four prenatal genetic screens simultaneously from a single maternal blood draw as early as eight weeks of gestation. The new molecular diagnostic solution is designed to simplify prenatal genetic screening by integrating fetal chromosome screening, fetal single-gene screening, patient carrier screening, and fetal RhD screening into one comprehensive report. By replacing the traditionally fragmented testing pathway with a single order and a single blood sample, FirstGene® aims to provide clinicians with earlier, more complete genetic information to support timely prenatal care decisions. The test delivers results in approximately 10 days and has demonstrated greater than 98% analytical sensitivity and greater than 99% analytical specificity, reinforcing its potential to enhance accuracy and efficiency in prenatal genetic testing.
Integrated Prenatal Screening in a Single Blood Draw
The FirstGene® Multiple Prenatal Screen combines four clinically important prenatal genetic assessments into one integrated laboratory assay, significantly reducing the need for multiple blood draws and separate laboratory orders. The fetal chromosome screen evaluates the risk of common chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), sex chromosome aneuploidies, and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The fetal single-gene screen analyzes fetal risk for 19 actionable recessive genetic conditions without requiring a reproductive partner sample, while the patient carrier screen assesses carrier status for 20 inherited disorders, including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, sickle cell disease, and fragile X syndrome. In addition, the fetal RhD screen evaluates RhD compatibility between the pregnant patient and fetus, helping clinicians identify pregnancies that may require additional medical management. Collectively, these capabilities allow healthcare providers to obtain a broader genetic profile much earlier in pregnancy while improving workflow efficiency.
High Analytical Performance Supports Earlier Clinical Decisions
According to Myriad Genetics, the development of FirstGene® involved extensive analytical validation, product optimization, and rigorous performance testing to ensure consistent accuracy and reliability. The company reports that the integrated screening platform achieves greater than 99% analytical sensitivity and specificity for several screening components while maintaining high performance across multiple genetic targets. Results are expected within approximately ten days, allowing clinicians to initiate informed discussions regarding pregnancy management earlier than many conventional testing pathways. The integrated design also reduces delays associated with multiple laboratory orders, repeat appointments, and sequential testing, helping obstetricians streamline prenatal care while providing patients with more comprehensive genetic information from a single maternal blood sample. This approach reflects the growing role of precision medicine and molecular diagnostics in improving prenatal healthcare through earlier risk assessment and personalized clinical decision-making.
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Strengthening Precision Medicine in Prenatal Care
The commercial launch of FirstGene® Multiple Prenatal Screen expands Myriad Genetics’ prenatal testing portfolio alongside Prequel® Prenatal Screen, Foresight® Carrier Screen, and SneakPeek® Early Gender Test, providing clinicians with a broader range of molecular diagnostic solutions tailored to different stages of pregnancy. As healthcare systems increasingly adopt integrated genetic testing strategies, comprehensive prenatal screening platforms capable of delivering multiple clinically actionable insights from a single sample are expected to play an increasingly important role in maternal-fetal medicine. By combining advanced molecular diagnostics, high analytical accuracy, and simplified laboratory workflows, FirstGene® represents a significant advancement in prenatal precision medicine and supports the ongoing evolution toward earlier, more informed, and patient-centered prenatal care.
Source: Myriad Genetics Press release
