PCR Test

• The PCR test can tell you if your baby has Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome.
• However, this test cannot tell you the severity of the problems. There is no test that can tell you how severe the chromosome problem will be.
• It is possible that if a karyotype test is done it might detect other chromosome problems. This can happen even if the PCR result is normal.
• The PCR test result is usually available within three working days.
• In about 2 out of 100 women (2%) the PCR result cannot be obtained from the amniocentesis sample. You will have to wait for the result of a karyotype test.