The Panorama test is a non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT) that uses a simple blood draw from the pregnant person to analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from both the mother and the placenta. The test screens for the likelihood of common chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13). For most patients, the waiting period for results is relatively short, typically falling within seven to ten calendar days from the time the sample is processed at the lab.
Expected Timeline for Panorama Results
The standard timeline for the Panorama test is officially stated by the laboratory, Natera, as five to seven calendar days. This timeframe begins only after the blood sample has been physically received and registered at the testing facility, not on the day of the blood draw at the clinic. Therefore, the total time a patient waits may be slightly longer, accounting for transit and initial intake. The expected return time is based on calendar days, meaning weekends are included in the calculation of the analysis period. This five to seven-day period covers the work required to isolate and analyze the cell-free DNA fragments.
Logistical Steps: From Blood Draw to Analysis
The process begins at the healthcare provider’s office with the collection of blood into two Streck tubes, which contain a preservative to stabilize the cell-free DNA during transit. The sample is then prepared for immediate shipment, often via an overnight courier service, to the Natera laboratory facility. Upon arrival, the sample enters the pre-analytical phase, where it is logged into the system and checked for integrity and completeness, including all necessary paperwork.
Once verified, the sample moves into the analytical phase, where the cfDNA is isolated from the blood components. The analysis utilizes single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technology to distinguish between the pregnant person’s DNA and the placental DNA. This process screens for extra or missing chromosomal material. After sequencing, the data undergoes quality control and bioinformatics analysis before a final report is generated and electronically released.
Factors That Can Cause Delays
The most common reason for a delay beyond the typical seven-day window is insufficient sample quality, often resulting from a low fetal fraction. Fetal fraction is the percentage of cell-free DNA in the mother’s blood that originates from the placenta. If the fetal fraction is too low—occurring in approximately one out of every 65 tests—the lab cannot generate a reliable result.
When a sample fails due to low fetal fraction, the patient requires a redraw, which adds the entire shipping and analysis time back to the clock. This means the patient may face an additional week or more of waiting time. Delays can also be caused by administrative issues, such as missing insurance information or incomplete data on the requisition form.
Logistical or laboratory backlogs can also impede the process. If the blood draw occurs immediately before a major holiday, courier services may be delayed, or the laboratory may experience reduced staffing or increased sample volume. In rare instances, complex or ambiguous results may require additional internal review and quality assurance steps, extending the processing time.
How Results Are Delivered and Communicated
Once the laboratory analysis is complete and the final report is authorized, the results are released directly to the healthcare provider who originally ordered the test. The laboratory does not communicate the results to the patient first. Patients can often check the status of their sample through a patient portal offered by Natera, which provides real-time updates on the process.
The healthcare provider’s office is responsible for notifying the patient, often via a phone call or a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings. Because the Panorama test is a screening tool, the results must be interpreted within the context of the patient’s overall medical history. For patients who receive high-risk results, the testing company offers complimentary consultations with a board-certified genetic counselor.