Minerva Clinic Launches New Obstetrics System for Pregnant Women

Introduction

Minerva Clinic, renowned for its specialized genetic diagnostics, is proud to announce the launch of a new obstetrics department as of June 2025. With this initiative, the clinic aims to provide pregnant women with a comprehensive range of services that encompass both genetic testing and obstetric care, ensuring their well-being during this critical time.

The New Obstetrics System

The addition of an obstetrics department means that comprehensive screenings and tests can now be offered under one roof. This integrated approach allows for high-precision assessments of fetal health, greatly enhancing the quality of care provided. Pregnant women can now feel secure knowing they have access to specialized obstetric support right when they need it most.

Confirmatory Testing Post-NIPT Now Available

With the new obstetrics system, Minerva Clinic can now conduct confirmatory tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis for expectant mothers who receive positive results from non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). This advancement aims to alleviate the anxiety that comes with waiting for test results and provides women with continuous support throughout the process. By having these confirmatory tests performed at Minerva Clinic, patients can experience reduced waiting times and enhanced peace of mind during a critical period in their pregnancy.

A Supportive Environment for Couples

Minerva Clinic has been investing in advanced ultrasound technology, having introduced 4D ultrasound machines in November 2022. This innovation allows couples to check on their baby’s status just before undergoing NIPT. The aim is to minimize concern related to potential loss and reassure patients that they can freely undergo tests with an understanding of their baby's health status. Moreover, husbands are welcome to attend these examinations, fostering an inclusive environment where both parents can see and support their unborn child together. Feedback from many parents has been overwhelmingly positive regarding this shared experience.

Comprehensive Testing in One Place

The ability to conduct both the NIPT and subsequent confirmatory tests in-house not only simplifies the process but also enhances the specialty of the clinic. This integrated care model allows for smoother transitions and more personalized attention for those experiencing the heightened anxiety that often accompanies potential positive test results.

Commitment to Clinical Excellence and Technological Advancement

Minerva Clinic acknowledges the vital importance of relying on clinically validated techniques, continually updating its practices and diagnostic tools. The clinic closely monitors global trends and research findings to ensure that pregnant women receive the most suitable assessments possible.

Evolution of Testing Technology (2017–2024)

The evolution of NIPT capabilities at Minerva Clinic reflects its commitment to cutting-edge healthcare:

- 2017: Launch of NIPT services with the introduction of VeriSeq™ by Illumina, revealing issues concerning false positives.
- 2018: Adoption of tests from Verinata, which improved diagnostic capabilities but highlighted the need to reassess testing methods.
- 2019–2020: Partnership with Medicover Genetics and Eurofins saw incremental improvements, though still struggling with false positive rates for certain syndromes.
- 2024: The introduction of the COATE method represents a paradigm shift, resulting in detection accuracy rates exceeding 99.9% for microdeletion syndromes, showcasing the continuous progress toward precision in prenatal testing.

The Future of NIPT Testing

As of August 2024, Minerva Clinic is implementing the COATE method, which significantly enhances the detection rates for single-gene disorders and microdeletion syndromes. Current data suggest that about 1 in 60 individuals may test positive for single-gene disorders, surmounting the detection rates for Down syndrome. This leap in diagnostic capability underlines Minerva Clinic's dedication to providing trusted, state-of-the-art testing options.

Continuous Improvement and Patient-Centric Care

Minerva Clinic remains steadfast in the commitment to providing the most reliable testing options available. The rapid advancement of NIPT technology ensures that testing methodologies continue to evolve, allowing the clinic to tailor its offerings to meet the specific needs of each patient. Through versatile and evidence-based practices, the clinic prioritizes the well-being of pregnant women, eliminating barriers associated with outdated testing technologies.

Words from Leadership

Dr. Hiromi Nakata, the head physician at Minerva Clinic, expressed gratitude for the establishment of the obstetrics department, emphasizing the importance of reducing wait times for anxious patients. The clinical staff remains dedicated to delivering compassionate, research-backed prenatal care.