Regularized Increase of Prenatal Examinations for Trisomy Detection in Barmer - Frequent Prenatal Checks for Trisomy Cases Increased in Barmer
Get the scoop on why pre-natal blood tests for trisomies are on the rise in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, according to the health insurance company Barmer.
Upward Spiral of Blood Tests
In 2024, a staggering 43% of pregnant women in Schleswig-Holstein opted for these tests, an increase from 33.9% in 2023.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT): A Closer Look
The NIPT, a non-invasive exam of the unborn child's genetic material, scans for trisomies 13, 18, and 21. It's especially known for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), the most common trisomy. Since July 2022, statutory health insurers have covered the expense of the test, yet it's not part of the recommended prenatal checkups.
Bernd Hillebrandt, the regional manager of Barmer in Schleswig-Holstein, clarifies that the NIPT is not a mandatory test. "Doctors must thoroughly inform pregnant women and collectively decide if the test is appropriate," Hillebrandt said. Keep in mind that the test cannot guarantee overall fetal health.
Aging Pregnancies: A Factor?
Barmer data reveals that older pregnant women make up a considerable chunk of those having the NIPT. In Schleswig-Holstein, in 2024, 58.5% of women aged 36 and above opted for the test. Hillebrandt explains why; "Trisomies are relatively uncommon at any age. Still, their prevalence tends to escalate with age."
The inclusion of NIPT in the statutory health insurance benefits catalog was meant to bring down the number of invasive prenatal examinations––tests like amniocentesis that pose risks such as premature membrane rupture, infections, or bleeding. However, according to Barmer, the introduction of NIPT hasn't resulted in a significant decrease in invasive tests yet.
What's Next?
The rise in blood tests for trisomies can affect both invasive prenatal examinations and overall health insurance coverage. Keep an eye on these areas as more women opt for safer, non-invasive prenatal screenings.
"The surge in prenatal blood tests for trisomies, such as the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), might lead to an increase in vocational training programs within the health-and-wellness sector, as more professionals will be needed to administer these tests and counsel pregnant women. Additionally, as the NIPT becomes more prevalent, there might be a growing interest in scientific research and development to improve the test's accuracy and safety, potentially leading to advancements in vocational training for scientific research in the field of genetics."
