Cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma and its clinical significance.

Cell-free fetal DNA has been demonstrated in maternal plasma.The discovery of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma as a new fetal genetic material has provided a promising possibilities for the non-invasive prenatal diagnosis.Much attention has focused on the clinical application and the biology of cell-free fetal DNA including its origin,kinetics and characteristics.Real-time quantitative PCR technique is the major measurement method of cell-free fetal DNA.Additionally,some technical factors affecting the analysis of cell-free fetal DNA are currently under investigation.More recent studies show that the detection of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma has revealed significant clinical potential for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal genetic disorders and pregnancy-associated complications,however,some questions remains to be elucidated.This review summarizes the latest progress in research of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma.