A: You can collect the sample at home in a sterile container and take it directly to our laboratory within one hour of production. The specimen should be kept at body temperature (close to the body).

A: You will need a recent pre-conception work-up (exceptionally, we can proceed without the work-up in cases of fertility preservation; units will then be quarantined pending the results) and a physician’s prescription indicating “freezing of sperm.” For more information, contact ovo cryo at 514 798-2000, ext. 203.

A: The optimo test is done mainly to screen for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, but it can also detect other conditions:

• By ultrasound: heart defects, neural tube defects, other malformations
• By serum markers: obstetric risk factors

A: The risk of trisomies 21 and 18 is calculated based on:

• The nuchal translucency
• The serum marker results
• The egg provider’s age

Your result is categorized as low risk (less than 1/2,500), moderate risk (between 1/2,500 and 1/100), and high risk (greater than 1/100). The risk of trisomy 13 is calculated based on whether or not malformations can be seen on the ultrasound and is not assigned a number.

A: You will receive your result within three to five business days. If your risk is low, you will be informed by email. A copy of the result will also be sent to your physician.

A: If your risk is greater than 1/2,500, you will be contacted by phone.

If your risk is moderate, you will be offered the Harmony test, a fetal DNA test done on maternal blood. This test is free of charge and the result is available in five business days.

If your risk is high, you can also have the Harmony test done free of charge. However, it is recommended that you talk to your physician about having an amniocentesis.

A: The detection rate for trisomy 21 is 98%.

A: Each participant is closely monitored by a team of experienced health professionals. During a visit with the research nurse, the possible side effects of the study will be mentioned. Furthermore, the potential side effects are written in the informed consent form that will be given to you. 

A: Any medication can have a risk of side effects. When you meet with the research nurse, the potential side effects will be mentioned. Furthermore, the list of possible side effects can be found in the copy of the consent form that will be given to you.