Prequel Prenatal Screen: What it tests for and how it works

If you’re expecting a baby, one of the tests your doctor might recommend is the Prequel Prenatal Screen offered by Myriad Genetics. This non-invasive test analyzes your baby’s DNA to screen for certain chromosomal conditions and can also optionally reveal your baby’s sex.

If your doctor has recommended the Prequel test, it’s natural to have questions about how the test works and what to expect. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know — how it works, how accurate it is, how much it costs, and how it compares to other prenatal screening options — so you can make informed decisions about your baby’s health.

What is a Prequel Prenatal Screen?

Source: Myriad Genetics

The Myriad Genetics’ Prequel Prenatal Screen is a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) that assesses your baby’s risk of having certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).

Here’s the science behind the test:

• When you’re pregnant, small amounts of your baby’s DNA circulate in your bloodstream.

• The Prequel test checks the fetal DNA in your bloodstream for chromosomal abnormalities. If an extra or missing chromosome is detected, it could indicate a higher risk of a genetic condition.

Many medical experts recommend waiting until at least 10 weeks of pregnancy before taking an NIPT to ensure there is enough fetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream for accurate analysis. However, Myriad Genetics states that its Prequel Prenatal Screen can be done eight weeks after the first day of your missed period or six weeks after conception.

However, it’s important to note that the Prequel Prenatal Screen isn’t a diagnostic test. It simply estimates the likelihood of your baby having a chromosomal condition. 

Beyond the Prequel genetic testing, Myriad Women’s Health offers other testing services, including the Foresight Carrier Screen, which checks if you or your partner carry genetic conditions that could be passed on to your child. 

How can you order the Myriad women’s health Prequel Prenatal Screen?

According to Myriad Genetics, the Prequel Prenatal Screen is designed for all pregnant women, regardless of ancestry or BMI. While some studies suggest that NIPT may be less accurate for detecting chromosomal abnormalities in twin pregnancies, Myriad claims that Prequel is validated for twin, egg donor, and surrogacy pregnancies.

Here’s how the testing process works:

1. Your healthcare provider must order the test on your behalf using the Myriad Provider Portal. 

2. You’ll be required to provide a blood sample from your arm using Myriad’s test kit and ship it to its lab.

3. Myriad will analyze your sample, check your baby’s DNA, and send the results once testing is complete.

You can create a patient account on Myriad’s secure portal to track your screening status. You can also access your results online and download a PDF copy once they’re available.

While the process is designed to be straightforward, some users have reported issues setting up their patient accounts. These include login errors and registration glitches, which in some cases required contacting customer support and caused delays in accessing results.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/BabyBumps/comments/1i226sl/myriad_prequelfrustration/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)(360)

Prequel Prenatal Screen review: 5 key factors you need to know before taking this test

Based on customer feedback and insights from our expert team, these are the five common questions people tend to ask when considering the Prequel Prenatal Screen:

1. What does the Prequel Prenatal Screen test for?

2. How long does the Prequel test take?

3. How accurate are Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen results?

4. How much does Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen cost?

5. How does Myriad Genetics Prequel Prenatal Screen compare to other NIPTs?

In the following sections, we’ll address these questions and share some customer reviews on the test.

1. What does the Prequel Prenatal Screen test for?

The Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen looks for a range of chromosomal conditions that could affect your baby’s health and development. These conditions fall into four main categories:

1. Trisomies 

2. Sex chromosome conditions 

3. Microdeletions

4. Expanded aneuploidies 

The table below outlines the conditions included in the four categories:

Aside from detecting sex chromosome abnormalities, the Myriad Prequel test can also reveal your baby’s sex — but only if you want to know.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/pregnant/comments/13rkn4i/comment/jlkutf3/?utm_source=share&utmedium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)(300)

Bonus: Want to learn more about prenatal screening tests and the conditions they test for? Check out these articles:

• Preconception genetic testing

• Cell-free DNA test vs. NIPT 

• First-trimester screening vs. NIPT

• Quad screen vs. NIPT

2. How long does the Prequel test take?

Myriad Genetics estimates that you’ll receive your Prequel Prenatal Screen results within 10 days (this is the usual turnaround for NIPT results). However, if that tenth day falls on a weekend, results may be held until the next business day so a healthcare provider can be available to explain the findings.

The testing process generally moves through three key stages:

1. Sample received: Your blood sample arrives at the lab.

2. Processing: Myriad extracts and analyzes the fetal DNA.

3. Clinical review: Your results undergo final review before being sent to your healthcare provider. Afterward, you can access your results using your Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen login details. 

While 10 days is the general estimate, many Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen reviews mention delays. Some users report extended wait times, often due to missing or incomplete requisition forms from their doctor, which can prevent Myriad from releasing the results. 

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/BabyBumps/comments/1auqmvw/comment/kr5ng3e/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)(270)

Additionally, in rare cases, some individuals never receive results due to inconclusive findings and technical issues.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/NIPT/comments/1304ih4/myriad_nipt_came_back_no_results/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)(350)

3. How accurate are Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen results?

Source: Myriad Genetics 

While no NIPT can provide a definitive diagnosis, the Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen is considered highly reliable for assessing your baby’s risk of certain chromosomal conditions.

Myriad states that it uses Amplify® technology, which results in a failure rate of just 0.01%. The company claims that the Prequel Prenatal Screen results are reliable and rarely require retesting.

However, some users have reported receiving false positives, where the test suggested an increased risk of a condition when, in reality, the baby was healthy.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/NIPT/comments/1103ncs/comment/j890ldo/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)(240)

Because of this possibility, prenatal diagnostic tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are sometimes recommended for follow-up after a high-risk NIPT result. These tests can confirm whether a chromosomal abnormality is actually present.

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4. How much does Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen cost?

Myriad Genetics isn’t transparent about the cost of Prequel genetic testing. The exact price is not listed on its website, and pricing tends to vary due to factors like insurance coverage and individual billing policies.

Some patients report that their insurance fully covered the cost of Myriad’s Prequel test, leaving them with no out-of-pocket expenses. Others had partial coverage and had to pay the remaining balance themselves.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/BabyBumps/comments/1eo8xi4/comment/lnlvu7w/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)(240)

Interestingly, for some patients, the difference between paying out of pocket and using insurance was minimal. For example, one person claimed their insurance covered 90% of the Prequel test cost, leaving them with a $130 bill, while another paid entirely out of pocket and was charged $200.

It’s best to check with both Myriad Genetics and your insurance provider to get an accurate estimate based on your situation.

5. How does Myriad Genetics Prequel Prenatal Screen compare to other NIPTs?

Take a look at the table below to see how Prequel Prenatal Screen compares to other popular NIPTs — MaterniT21 PLUS by Labcorp and Panorama by Natera:

Overall, there aren’t major differences between Prequel Prenatal Screen and other NIPTs, so you’ll have a similar experience whichever you choose.

Bonus: Read this article to understand the differences between MaterniT21 and Panorama’s NIPT tests.

Our final thoughts on Myriad Genetics Prequel Prenatal Screen

To help you weigh your options, here are the main advantages and drawbacks of the Prequel Prenatal Screen:

While the Prequel test provides you with valuable information about your baby’s risk for chromosomal conditions, there is something it can't tell you — which genetic conditions your child is at risk of inheriting from you. For those risks, you'll need to turn to carrier screening.

This type of testing can identify whether you carry variants linked to inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis or hemophilia — conditions that are outside the scope of NIPTs like Prequel Prenatal Screen.

One provider offering this testing is Nucleus, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), the most advanced genetic testing technology. Thanks to WGS, Nucleus can analyze your entire DNA for variants linked to hundreds of genetic conditions, providing a comprehensive view of your reproductive health.

Understanding carrier screening: How Nucleus helps plan for a healthy pregnancy 

Carrier screening can be a powerful addition to NIPT, helping future parents better understand their shared genetic risks. Nucleus analyzes nearly 100% of your DNA, screening for over 900 genetic conditions — far beyond what most traditional carrier screening panels cover. These include:

• Celiac disease 

• Age-related macular degeneration

• Cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal

• Heart conditions like hypertension and coronary artery disease  

• Cognitive health, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases

Nucleus was designed with those planning a family in mind. Both partners can take the test, and Nucleus syncs the results to identify combined genetic risks, helping you understand your shared genetic background. Plus, you don’t need to visit a doctor or clinic — the test is physician-approved and can be done comfortably at home.

Beyond just providing test results, Nucleus offers ongoing support with an AI-powered feature that provides personalized recommendations based on your genetic profile. Plus, Nucleus partners with SteadyMD genetic counselors, so you can get expert guidance on your next steps, whether discussing reproductive options or understanding your genetic health better.

Signing up and getting started with Nucleus 

The Nucleus DNA kit is $499 and includes everything you need for testing, including the test kit, instructions, and two-way shipping. Also, if you and your partner order the test together, you’ll get a $200 discount and only have to pay $798 for partner testing.

Unlike many genetic testing providers, Nucleus offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Plus, the test is eligible for FSA and HSA payments, making it more accessible for those using flexible spending or health savings accounts.

The process of getting started is simple:

1. Sign up for Nucleus

2. Provide your personal details to create your account

3. Order your test kit

Once you receive your kit, collect your sample and send it back to the lab using the prepaid return label. Results are typically available within 6–8 weeks, giving valuable insights into your genetic health.

Get started today and take control of your reproductive health with Nucleus.

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Featured image source: Mart Production