Starting a family is an exciting journey, and with it comes important decisions. One such choice is whether to undergo non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), such as Labcorp’s MaterniT 21 PLUS or Natera’s Panorama, Vasistera, and Vistara.
But how do these tests compare? In this MaterniT 21 vs. Natera review, we’ll break down their accuracy, pricing, insurance coverage, and user experiences to help you determine which option best fits your needs.
MaterniT 21 vs. Natera prenatal tests: Basic information
Understand the main characteristics of these screening tests before we compare them in-depth:
How MaterniT 21 PLUS works
MaterniT 21 PLUS is a prenatal test offered by Labcorp, one of the largest laboratory service providers with operations in nearly 100 countries. It screens for various chromosomal abnormalities that could affect the health of your baby (or babies, in the case of multiple pregnancies) and optionally detects the baby's sex.
According to Labcorp, the test has been conducted over three million times. It’s suitable for pregnancies as early as nine weeks, including both routine and high-risk ones. Still, you’ll need a healthcare provider to authorize and order the test.
As a non-invasive test, MaterniT 21 PLUS only requires a blood sample from the mother. It analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) — genetic material from the placenta that ends up in the mother’s bloodstream. In most cases, this placental DNA is the same as that of a fetus.
Once the results are ready, they will be shared with your healthcare provider, who will review them and notify you. You’ll typically be able to view your results through an online patient portal.
Labcorp also offers genetic counseling services. You can speak with a geneticist for free to discuss your results, and if you need more detailed support, additional counseling is available. Depending on what your results show, your healthcare provider or genetic counselor may suggest further testing, as NIPT is not intended for diagnosis and only indicates potential risk.
Source: MART PRODUCTION
How Natera’s prenatal testing works
Natera is a well-known provider of prenatal testing, offering several options for expectant families. The most popular test is Panorama, which serves over one million families every year, according to Natera. Panorama is also the most comprehensive option available, as it’s the only test that screens for triploidy — a rare condition where a person has an extra set of chromosomes.
Natera’s Panorama and other prenatal tests work similarly to MaterniT 21 PLUS. You can take the tests as early as nine weeks into your pregnancy after consulting with a healthcare or genetic expert and providing a blood sample. The tests analyze your cfDNA, but some, like Panorama, look at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) — small genetic variations that help detect extra or missing chromosomes, as well as tiny deletions that may lead to the development of certain genetic conditions.
Like with Labcorp’s test, you can view your results online after your doctor reviews them. Natera also offers free genetic information sessions with board-certified counselors who can help you interpret your results and provide guidance on your next steps.
Bonus read — Check out our reviews of other testing services offering prenatal screening:
Natera vs. MaterniT 21 PLUS: Detailed comparison
In the next sections, we’ll compare Natera’s prenatal tests with Labcorp’s MaterniT 21 PLUS in-depth, analyzing the following important aspects:
Depth of testing
Quality and accuracy
Pricing and insurance
User experiences
1. Depth of testing
Labcorp’s MaterniT 21 PLUS offers customizable testing options for your provider, who can choose from four pre-built panels or add more analyses as needed. All panels detect fetal sex and screen for conditions like Down syndrome, but their coverage varies:
If results of follow-up analyses raise any concerns, your provider may order GENOME-Flex, an additional test conducted on your original blood sample. This test analyzes all 23 chromosome pairs, so it can detect a broader range of issues.
Natera offers three NIPT options in total:
Panorama: The most thorough test, Panorama can screen for fetal sex and 13 conditions, including trisomies, SCAs, microdeletions, and triploidy
Vasistera: A more limited NIPT, this test focuses on common genetic conditions, including three trisomies and four SCAs. It can also identify the baby’s sex
Vistara: This test focuses on 25 single-gene genetic conditions that benefit from early detection and intervention. Providers often combine it with Panorama
By analyzing SNPs, Natera’s Panorama and Vasistera tests can separate the mother’s DNA from the babies’ DNA and detect the zygosity of twins. In other words, they can inform you whether the twins are identical or fraternal.
Tip 💡
Labcorp and Natera offer carrier screening tests that help you better understand the diseases and conditions your children may inherit from you. Still, these tests analyze only a handful of your genes, so they may overlook important genetic variants that indicate increased risk.
In contrast, Nucleus Premium analyzes your whole genome — nearly 100% of your genes — and estimates hereditary genetic risks with 99.9% accuracy. Nucleus screens for 800+ diseases and conditions, including rare and mental health conditions. With easily understandable reports and genetic consultations, you can prepare and make decisions with confidence.
While Nucleus doesn’t offer prenatal screening, it can guide your decisions regarding family planning and subsequent testing.
2. Test accuracy
Natera and Labcorp are well-established testing companies with decades of experience and numerous providers that rely on their services regularly. Their labs have CAP and CLIA certifications, so they abide by strict standards for the quality of analyses.
Source: Natera
Both companies highlight the high sensitivity and accuracy of their NIPTs. MaterniT 21 PLUS even includes a Mosaicism Ratio, which helps assess whether a positive result is more likely to be accurate or a false positive.
That said, inaccurate results may occur with any prenatal testing service, especially when it comes to rare genetic conditions. In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about NIPTs, claiming that they tend to produce false positive results and that they aren’t “based on sound science.”
User reviews echo these concerns, though reports of incorrect findings are more prevalent with Natera’s NIPT. Many Natera users reported receiving a positive result later refuted by a more advanced test, leading to unnecessary worry and invasive and risky follow-up procedures.
Here’s one example:
It’s important to interpret the results carefully and discuss them with a healthcare professional before drawing any conclusions or making decisions.
Bonus read — See our comparison of Natera’s Panorama and Horizon tests and how this testing service compares to Myriad Genetics and Invitae.
3. Pricing and insurance
Natera and Labcorp both provide multiple payment options, including self-pay and insurance. They’re generally in-network with most insurance plans and offer financial assistance programs, such as price reductions and interest-free payment plans.
While the exact prices of their NIPTs aren't listed publicly, both companies feature cost calculators on their websites, where you can get an estimate. User reviews indicate that the tests typically cost less than $300 with the self-pay option.
If you plan to use insurance, it’s a good idea to discuss costs and payment options with your insurance provider, physician, and the testing company before undergoing the test. Many reviewers, especially those who tested with Natera, have reported experiencing issues with insurance and receiving higher-than-expected bills after testing. Still, some were able to reduce the final cost after contacting the testing company directly.
Read about one mother’s experience below:
It’s also worth noting that Natera is currently facing a class action lawsuit over allegations of misleading patients about the pricing of its tests, including Panorama and Vistara. This isn’t the first time the company has faced such allegations; in 2018, they paid $11 million to settle similar accusations of improper billing practices.
4. User experiences
Labcorp and Natera don’t have accreditations from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and both have low customer ratings (as of February 2025):
Despite Natera's higher BBB grade — A+ compared to Labcorp’s D+ — many Natera users appear to be more dissatisfied overall, particularly when looking at Reddit discussions. The most frequent complaints revolve around the accuracy of results and billing practices.
User reviews also indicate that both companies occasionally face issues with the testing process and customer service. Some common concerns include:
Inconclusive results
Lost samples
Having to retake the test
Delayed turnaround
Difficulty contacting customer support
Bonus read — Discover what users had to say about other testing services:
Wrapping up the Natera vs. Labcorp NIPT comparison
Natera’s and Labcorp’s early prenatal tests can be informative and useful, especially for women with high-risk pregnancies and a family history of genetic conditions. Still, it’s important to remember that, despite the companies’ claims and established reputations, these tests can sometimes yield inaccurate results. If you’re considering prenatal screening, it’s best to consult with your doctor or genetic counselor for further steps.
Besides analyzing the baby’s cfDNA to check for genetic abnormalities, you can also test your own DNA to see if you’re a carrier of any conditions. This gives you a fuller picture of your genetic health and can help you plan for future pregnancies. For the most thorough assessment, opt for a whole-genome test like Nucleus Premium.
Nucleus will analyze all six billion data points of your DNA, screening for hundreds of diseases and conditions with 99.9% accuracy. While Nucleus provides detailed genetic insights, it isn't designed for prenatal testing — it's a valuable resource for guiding family planning decisions based on your broader genetic information.
Nucleus’ test is physician-ordered, but due to its partnership with SteadyMD, you can request it online without going to a doctor’s office. Since it only requires a cheek swab, the test is simple, fast, and painless.
Nucleus: Comprehensive insights for informed family planning
Using cutting-edge whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology, Nucleus reads your full DNA code along with rare genetic variants that most tests miss. It assesses your predispositions and carrier status for over 800 diseases and conditions, including those related to:
Cancer
Heart health
Neurology
Mental health
With U.S.-based labs and CAP and CLIA certifications, Nucleus ensures the highest quality and accuracy in its testing.
Even though it’s a clinical-grade test, Nucleus Premium provides easy-to-understand reports written in plain language. Besides your DNA, NNucleus takes your lifestyle habits — such as smoking and cholesterol levels — into account when personalizing your risk reports and offering advice for improving your outcomes.
Nucleus also partners with SteadyMD to provide consultations with board-certified geneticists, offering guidance on your family planning and health decisions.
One test, hundreds of insights
Nucleus Premium has transparent pricing and accepts HSA/FSA payments. For only $399, you get the test kit, all 800+ health and trait reports, and two-way shipping. Plus, you can opt to receive updates on your results as Nucleus expands its database, incorporates the latest scientific advancements, and tracks your lifestyle changes.
Test with Nucleus: Understand your genetic legacy
To get your all-in-one genetic screening, you only need to:
Provide your personal information
Order Nucleus Premium
Your kit will arrive within a few days, after which you’ll swab your cheeks and mail your sample to the lab. You’ll be able to view your results in your Nucleus online account* within six to eight weeks.
*Nucleus complies with HIPAA. It will protect your sensitive data with industry-standard security measures and destroy your sample within 60 days of receiving it.
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Featured image source: MART PRODUCTION
