Prenatal Analysis of Cell-free Circulating Fetal DNA

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BORDEAUX · Mar 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new method to analyze fetal DNA found in a mother’s blood during pregnancy. The goal is to help victims of sexual assault who later discover they are pregnant and are unsure about the baby's father. By using a special technique called Massively Parallel Sequencing, researchers in Bordeaux hope to confirm or rule out potential fathers based on DNA samples collected from the mother and potential fathers. This testing will only be done when required by a court, ensuring that it follows legal guidelines.

To participate in the trial, women must be at least 18 years old and be between 6 and 22 weeks pregnant. Both the mother and father must agree to take part and provide signed consent. However, those with unknown paternity, certain infections, or who cannot provide a genetic sample will not be eligible. Participants can expect the process to be conducted with care and respect for their situation, and it aims to provide clarity during a difficult time.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 or older.
• • For woman: pregnancy between 6 and 22 weeks
• • For both mother and father: non-opposition to participate and genetic signed informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unknown paternity.
• • Maternal blood-borne infections (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B).
• • Inability of the father to provide a sample.
• • Insufficient comprehension of French by either parent.
• • Mother or father under legal protection