Sequenom launched a test for determining the sex of a fetus by analyzing the mother's blood. The early-detection test could help expectant mothers learn the sex of their fetus in the first trimester, according weeks before an ultrasound would reveal sexual characteristics. Called SensiGene Fetal (XY), the fetal gender test works by detecting free circulating fetal DNA in the mother's bloodstream.
Sequenom hopes the test will be popular. A survey of about 400 expectant mothers suggests that around 80 percent would like to learn the sex of their unborn children if it were safe, affordable and convenient. Of course, there could be darker reasons. But Sequenom, which says it supports the American Congress of Gynecologists and Obstetricians' 2007 statement opposing sex-selective abortions, has made the testing available only through a physician's order, in the hopes of preventing such a practice.
Because it is not believed to address a medical need, the test would not be covered by insurance and expectant mothers would have to pay out of pocket -- $395 in the U.S. -- to have the blood sample sent to Sequenom's lab for analysis. But Wall Street seems to agree women want it. Sequenom's stock jumped 16.4 percent. DOTmed
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