Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis using cell-free nucleic acids in maternal blood

Over the past decade, cff nucleic acid detection has been increasingly used to diagnose genetic diseases and identify pregnancy complications, mainly in the research setting. Such advances have already provided valuable insights into the developing fetus and placenta. To date, two applications, gender determination and fetal RhD status, have already translated to clinical care. However, with evolving molecular technologies, additional clinical applications will be forthcoming. This review summarizes the characteristics of cell-free DNA and mRNA in maternal plasma and serum and the clinical application of them.