The Panorama test is a non-invasive prenatal screen (NIPT) that analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments found in a maternal blood sample. These fragments originate from both the pregnant person and the placenta. The test provides information about the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions in the developing baby. It can be performed relatively early, starting at nine weeks of gestation.
The Standard Turnaround Time
The typical delivery window for Panorama results is five to seven calendar days after the laboratory receives the blood sample. This time frame is an average and not a guarantee for every test. The clock starts when the sample is logged into the testing facility, not on the day the blood is drawn at the healthcare provider’s office.
Shipping and handling the specimen from the clinic to the specialized testing laboratory adds variable time to the overall wait. The entire process, from blood draw to results being sent to the ordering physician, typically takes one to one-and-a-half weeks. Although some individuals receive results faster, one week is the standard time for a smooth process.
Understanding the Laboratory Analysis Pipeline
Once the blood sample arrives at the testing facility, it undergoes accessioning, where it is registered and assigned a unique identifier. The whole blood is then processed to separate the plasma, which contains the cell-free DNA (cfDNA). This cfDNA, a mix of maternal and placental DNA, is then extracted and purified for analysis.
The purified DNA undergoes sequencing to determine the order of nucleotide bases. Panorama uses single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based technology, which evaluates specific DNA points to differentiate between the pregnant person’s DNA and the placental DNA. Proprietary algorithms analyze this sequencing data. This bioinformatic analysis then generates a risk report for the chromosomal conditions being screened.
Variables That Can Delay Results
Several factors can extend the final report time beyond the standard one-week period, sometimes up to two weeks or more. Delays often stem from issues with the initial blood sample, such as clotting, hemolysis, or insufficient volume. Logistical problems, including high lab volume, shipping delays (like weekend collection), or weather, can also slow the process.
A significant delay occurs if the test yields a “no result” or “non-reportable” status, which happens in a small percentage of cases. This is usually due to a low fetal fraction, meaning the sample contains insufficient placental DNA. If the fetal fraction is too low, the laboratory cannot confidently generate an accurate result, requiring the pregnant person to undergo a redraw. A redraw restarts the entire timeline, requiring the new sample to be shipped, processed, and analyzed from the beginning.
How Results Are Communicated
The final stage involves the communication of the results, which follows a defined path. The laboratory sends the completed report directly to the healthcare provider who initially ordered the test, such as the obstetrician, midwife, or genetic counselor. The patient does not typically receive the results directly from the testing company, though some labs offer a patient portal for tracking the sample’s status.
The provider’s office then contacts the patient to schedule a follow-up appointment or phone call to discuss the results. Since Panorama is a screening test, the healthcare provider’s interpretation and explanation are necessary to understand the clinical implications of the report. The time taken for the provider’s office to schedule this discussion can add a final layer to the overall waiting period.