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Natera Genetic Testing Review for 2024

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Genetic testing is a powerful tool that can reveal a lot about your health and ancestry. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for you? In this article, we will review one of the most popular and comprehensive genetic testing services: Natera.

ProsCons
Informed decision-making for pregnancy and family planningMay not detect all possible genetic variants or conditions
Preparation for potential health risks or challengesMay not provide definitive answers for complex genetic issues
Access to early interventions and treatmentsCustomers raised concerns regarding billing practices
Connection with others sharing genetic backgroundEthical, legal, or social concerns regarding privacy and discrimination
Discovery of ancestry and heritage
Pros and Cons of Natera Genetic Testing

What is Natera Genetic Testing

Female Scientist in White Lab Coat Using a Microscope | placeholder for Natera Genetic Testing

Natera is a company that specializes in prenatal, postnatal, and hereditary cancer testing. They use advanced technology and algorithms to analyze your DNA and provide you with accurate and personalized results. Natera offers several types of genetic tests, such as:

  • Panorama: A non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) that screens for common chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, and sex chromosome aneuploidies. It can also determine the fetal sex and blood type.
  • Horizon: A carrier screening test that checks if you or your partner have any genetic mutations that could cause serious inherited diseases in your children, such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, sickle cell disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.
  • Anora: A miscarriage test that analyzes the tissue from a pregnancy loss to determine the cause and help prevent future miscarriages.
  • Spectrum: A preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) that screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and single-gene disorders before implantation in IVF cycles.
  • Signatera: A personalized blood test that detects and monitors cancer recurrence by tracking tumor-specific DNA mutations in the bloodstream.
  • Prospera: A transplant assessment test that measures the risk of organ rejection by analyzing donor-derived cell-free DNA in the recipient’s blood.

Cost

The cost of Natera genetic testing depends on several factors, such as the type of test, the insurance coverage, and the billing option. Natera works with most major insurance companies and offers different payment plans to suit your needs. Here is a table that provides an estimated cost for each type of test:

TestAverage CostSelf-Pay OptionPayment Plan
Panorama$700$349$99/month for 4 months
Horizon$950$349$99/month for 4 months
Anora$200$200$50/month for 4 months
Spectrum$3,000/embryo$1,500/embryo$375/month for 4 months
Signatera$3,500/test$1,750/test$437.50/month for 4 months
Prospera$2,000/test$1,000/test$250/month for 4 months

If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover Natera genetic testing, you can opt for the self-pay option or the payment plan. The self-pay option allows you to pay a discounted price upfront, while the payment plan allows you to pay in monthly installments with no interest or fees.

Benefits of Natera Genetic Testing

Natera genetic testing has many benefits for you and your family, such as:

  • It can help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy and family planning.
  • It can help you prepare for any potential health risks or challenges that you or your baby may face.
  • It can help you access early interventions and treatments that can improve your outcomes and quality of life.
  • It can help you connect with other people who share your genetic background or condition.
  • It can help you discover more about your ancestry and heritage.

Drawbacks of Natera Genetic Testing

Natera genetic testing also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of, such as:

  • It may not detect all possible genetic variants or conditions that could affect you or your baby.
  • It may not provide definitive answers or solutions to some complex or rare genetic issues.
  • Customers raised concerns regarding billing practices.
  • It may raise ethical, legal, or social issues regarding privacy, consent, disclosure, discrimination, or stigma.

How to Get Started with Natera Genetic Testing

If you are interested in getting Natera genetic testing, you should talk to your doctor or genetic counselor first. They can help you understand the benefits and limitations of each test, as well as the implications and options for you and your family. They can also order the test for you and guide you through the process. You can also visit Natera’s website to learn more about their services and products, or contact their customer support team for any questions or concerns.

Natera genetic testing is a valuable resource that can help you gain insight into your health and ancestry. Whether you are pregnant, planning to have a baby, or curious about your genetic makeup, Natera can provide you with reliable and personalized information that can empower you to make the best choices for yourself and your loved ones.

Where You Can Get Natera Genetic Testing

Natera genetic testing is available in many locations across the United States and around the world. You can get Natera genetic testing through your doctor or genetic counselor, who can order the test for you and collect your sample (either blood or saliva). You can also order some tests online through Natera’s website or partner websites.

Here are some examples of where you can get Natera genetic testing:

  • Natera’s headquarters in San Carlos, California
  • Natera’s laboratory in Austin, Texas
  • Any of Natera’s partner clinics or hospitals
  • Online: Some services may allow you to order tests online, which are then conducted through a healthcare provider.

You can find more information about Natera’s locations on their website or by contacting their customer support team.

Customer Reviews

Natera Genetic Testing has received a range of customer reviews and ratings. Some factual highlights from different sources include:

  • Trustpilot: Natera has an average rating of 2.8 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. The reviews express dissatisfaction, with customers feeling misled about billing practices.
  • Birdeye: Natera has a higher average rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 937 reviews. While some reviews are positive, others express significant concerns, particularly regarding unexpected bills.
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): Natera has an average customer review rating of 2.19 out of 5, based on 492 customer reviews. The reviews raise concerns over billing practices to experiences with customer service and the accuracy of test results.

Is Natera Genetic Testing Worth It

Natera genetic testing is worth it if you want to gain more insight into your health and ancestry, as well as make informed decisions about your pregnancy and family planning. It can provide you with valuable information that can help you prepare for any potential health risks or challenges that you or your baby may face, as well as access early interventions and treatments that can improve your outcomes and quality of life. Natera genetic testing can also help you connect with other people who share your genetic background or condition, and discover more about your heritage and origins.

Natera genetic testing uses a unique technology that can detect even the smallest genetic variations and provide high-quality results. It is also clinically validated in over 180 peer-reviewed publications and has processed over 5 million tests in their certified labs. Natera genetic testing also works with most major insurance companies and offers different payment options to suit your needs.

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