The Panorama test is a non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) that analyzes cell-free DNA fragments in a pregnant person’s blood to assess the chance of a fetus having certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). This screening can be performed as early as nine weeks into the pregnancy using only a simple blood draw. The waiting period for these results often creates anxiety for expectant parents, making the expected timeline a significant point of concern.
The Typical Timeline for Panorama Results
The standard turnaround time for the Panorama test results is typically short, often ranging from five to seven calendar days. This time frame represents the period from when the sample is logged into the system at the Natera laboratory until the final report is generated and sent to the ordering provider. It is important for patients to understand that the clock on this turnaround time does not begin the moment blood is drawn at the clinic.
The process starts only after the blood sample has been successfully shipped and received by the specialized testing laboratory. Factors like weekend shipping schedules and national holidays can sometimes introduce minor, initial delays before the lab even begins processing the sample. Once the sample is officially received, the laboratory technicians start the complex analysis of the cell-free DNA.
The test analyzes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to distinguish between the pregnant person’s DNA and the placental DNA, which serves as a proxy for the fetal DNA. This differentiation allows the test to deliver highly accurate results in a relatively quick timeframe. Under ideal conditions, the lab efficiently generates the risk assessment report within that standard five-to-seven-day window.
The report indicates whether the pregnancy has a high or low chance for the screened genetic conditions. While the lab may generate the result quickly, the time it takes for the patient to actually hear the news can vary slightly depending on the administrative practices of the healthcare provider’s office. The results are always returned to the medical office before they are communicated to the patient.
Common Reasons Why Panorama Results May Be Delayed
A common reason for a delay in receiving the Panorama results is the need for a second blood draw, known as a redraw. The most frequent cause for a redraw is an insufficient quantity of fetal DNA in the initial blood sample, a situation referred to as “low fetal fraction”. The test requires a minimum percentage of DNA originating from the placenta to ensure the results are reliable and accurate.
If the fetal fraction is too low, the laboratory cannot generate a report, resulting in a “No Result” designation. Low fetal fraction is sometimes associated with collecting the blood sample too early in the pregnancy, as the amount of fetal DNA increases with gestational age. Higher maternal weight can also be a factor contributing to a lower concentration of fetal DNA in the sample.
Other processing delays stem from logistical or administrative issues rather than a biological problem with the sample. These may include shipping delays, such as a sample held up in transit, or high testing volume at the lab during peak times. Administrative issues like missing or incomplete information on the test requisition form submitted by the ordering provider can also halt the process.
It is important to remember that a delay in processing, even one requiring a redraw, does not necessarily indicate a high-risk result. A redraw is simply an indication that the initial sample did not meet the laboratory’s quality metrics for DNA quantity. The lab will typically recommend a second collection, often at no extra cost, to attempt to obtain a reportable result.
Receiving and Understanding Your Test Results
Once the Panorama report is finalized, the laboratory sends the results electronically or by fax directly to the ordering healthcare provider. The patient should not expect to receive the results directly from the testing company. The communication process is managed entirely by the doctor’s office, which then relays the information to the patient.
Healthcare providers typically have a specific protocol for communicating these results, which may involve a phone call from a nurse or a scheduled in-person consultation. If the results indicate a low-risk screening, the conversation may be quick. If a high-risk result is returned, the provider usually arranges for a more comprehensive discussion. Patients may also track the status of their sample through an online patient portal provided by the testing company.
Professional interpretation is a necessary final step, regardless of the outcome. The Panorama test is a screening tool, meaning it estimates risk, but it does not provide a definitive diagnosis. A genetic counselor or physician helps the patient understand the personalized risk scores and the implications for the pregnancy. They can also discuss follow-up diagnostic testing options, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, if a high-risk result is reported.