BillionToOne has unveiled a breakthrough in prenatal care with the adoption of its UNITY Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) for fetal antigens, now being utilized by Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists in remote maternity health deserts. The test offers a crucial alternative to frequent, long-distance travel for high-risk pregnancies, replacing the need for weekly Doppler ultrasounds.
The UNITY Fetal Antigen NIPT is designed to screen patients who are alloimmunized to specific antigens for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a serious blood disorder causing the rapid breakdown of a baby’s red blood cells. This innovative test significantly reduces the burden on patients who would otherwise have to make extended trips to specialized clinics for follow-up care.
“This cutting-edge technology is changing how we provide care to expectant mothers in rural areas,” stated Dr. Peter Van Eerden, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at Sanford Clinic in North Dakota. “With UNITY, we can now offer critical care to patients who once had to travel long distances, often hundreds of miles, for weekly visits. This enhances access to timely interventions when necessary.”
The technology has had a particularly transformative impact in rural regions such as North Dakota and northern Minnesota, where patients were previously required to travel up to 5 hours to clinics in cities like Bismarck, Fargo, and Bemidji. Many rural clinics lack the specialized equipment and trained staff needed to conduct regular Doppler ultrasounds, making the UNITY test a game-changer in these areas.
Jennifer Hoskovec, MS, Certified Genetic Counselor and VP of Medical Affairs at BillionToOne, expressed the company’s commitment to improving access to care. “Our goal with the UNITY Fetal Antigen NIPT is to democratize maternal healthcare, ensuring that high-quality prenatal screening is accessible to all, regardless of location. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the profound difference our technology is making in underserved communities.”
According to March of Dimes, more than 35% of U.S. counties are considered maternity care deserts, lacking the necessary birthing facilities or obstetric providers. This affects over 2.3 million women of reproductive age and leads to approximately 150,000 births annually in these areas. Additionally, between 2020 and 2022, over 10,000 excess preterm births occurred in regions with limited maternity care access.
The UNITY test is helping bridge this gap, offering expectant mothers in rural and underserved communities timely, reliable prenatal care that was once out of reach.
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