Maternal Cell Contamination Testing

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What is Maternal Cell Contamination (MCC)?

Maternal Cell Contamination (MCC) occurs when maternal cells mix with fetal or placental tissue during prenatal procedures like CVS or amniocentesis. Since maternal and fetal DNA are ~50% similar, even small amounts of maternal cells can mask fetal mutations or cause false results potentially leading to misdiagnosis of aneuploidy if undetected.

What does MCC screen for?

MCC testing screens for maternal DNA contamination in prenatal specimens like AF, CVS, POC, with detection down to 3–5% contamination levels

When Should You Order an MCC Test?

- Routinely: On all CVS and amniocentesis samples prior to microarray or sequencing. - Reflexively: When NIPT results are discordant with ultrasound or when POC cultures grow slowly/unusually.

Clinical Applications of Maternal Cell Contamination Testing

MCC testing is not a diagnostic test for a disorder itself, but rather a validity test required before diagnostic reporting. Amniotic fluid (AF) / Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) : CVS / AF samples are particularly prone to MCC. Testing confirms the sample is accurately diagnosed. Products of Conception (POC) : Essential for identifying the true genetic cause of miscarriage. Maternal cell overgrowth fetal in tissue culture, leads to false results.

Importance of MCC Testing

Preventing False Negatives

MCC testing ensures the analyzed DNA is truly fetal, not maternal, preventing misdiagnosis

Adherence to Professional Guidelines

ACMG & CAP mandate MCC testing for all prenatal DNA-based testing.

Accuracy in Miscarriage Analysis

Confirms whether pregnancy loss is due to fetal genetic abnormality versus maternal factors.

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Why choose OneDNA

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive testing across both molecular and cytogenetic platforms

Accredited Laboratories

NABL & CAP accredited lab

Support & Care

End-to-end support including genetic counselling and report guidance.

Early & Accurate

High accuracy with advanced technologies and stringent quality controls

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Frequently Asked Questions

MCC testing ensures that the analyzed sample is truly fetal in origin and not contaminated with maternal DNA.

Because even low level maternal contamination can mask fetal variants or lead to inaccurate genetic results.

Samples like amniotic fluid, CVS, and products of conception are routinely tested due to high contamination risk.

Modern MCC assays can detect maternal contamination as low as 3–5%, ensuring high analytical accuracy.

Yes, it is recommended by guidelines (ACMG, CAP) as a critical quality control step before reporting results.

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