What is POCScreen?

More than half of first-trimester miscarriages are caused
by chromosomal abnormalities.1

POCScreen Icon What Is POCScreen?

POCScreen is a miscarriage testing solution that analyses tissue from a pregnancy loss (Products Of Conception or POC) to evaluate the presence of abnormal chromosome numbers.

The test helps determine whether a chromosomal abnormality may have contributed to the miscarriage, providing answers after a loss and supporting informed reproductive planning. POCScreen also gives healthcare providers valuable insights for reproductive counselling and future pregnancy management.

Speak to genetic consultant

Understanding Chromosomal Abnormalities

Humans typically have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 in total) within almost every cell in the body. One chromosome of each pair comes from the mother and the other from the father.

Chromosomes 1 to 22 are numbered pairs, while the final pair are the sex chromosomes, which determine biological sex. Females usually have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.

A change in the number or structure of chromosomes can affect development and may result in miscarriage.

POCScreen can detect:

  • Extra chromosomes (trisomy)
  • Missing chromosomes (monosomy)
  • Duplications or deletions (extra or missing chromosome segments)

These chromosomal changes are a common cause of pregnancy loss.

Understanding Chromosomal Abnormalities
Who Should Consider POCScreen?

Who Should Consider POCScreen?

POCScreen may be recommended for:

  • Couples who have experienced a pregnancy loss
  • Individuals with recurrent miscarriages
  • Patients seeking answers and clarity after miscarriage
  • Healthcare providers needing information for reproductive counselling

Benefits of POCScreen Testing

POCScreen provides both clinical and emotional value by:

Helping explain the cause of miscarriage

Helping explain the cause of miscarriage

Providing closure after pregnancy loss

Providing closure after pregnancy loss

Supporting reproductive counselling and future planning

Supporting reproductive counselling and future planning

Guiding next steps in fertility or pregnancy care

Guiding next steps in fertility or pregnancy care

How POCScreen Works

Healthcare provider completes the Test Requisition Form (TRF)

Healthcare provider completes the Test Requisition Form (TRF)

Sample is collected from pregnancy tissue

Sample is collected from pregnancy tissue

Sample and TRF are sent to Next Biosciences

Sample and TRF are sent to Next Biosciences

DNA sequencing (NGS) is performed

DNA sequencing (NGS) is performed

Results are available within 7–10 working days

Results are available within 7–10 working days

Results and What They Mean

POCScreen results identify whether chromosomal abnormalities were present in the pregnancy tissue.

This information helps determine whether the miscarriage was likely caused by a genetic issue or if further investigation may be needed.

Results are shared with your healthcare provider, who will guide you through the findings and discuss next steps.

Contact our genetics team

Results and What They Mean

POCScreen is performed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about POCScreen:

A POC test analyses tissue from a miscarriage to check for chromosomal abnormalities. It helps determine whether genetic factors contributed to the pregnancy loss.

POCScreen testing is performed after a miscarriage, using tissue collected at the time of pregnancy loss. Your healthcare provider will guide you on timing and sample collection.

POCScreen results show whether a chromosomal abnormality was present in the pregnancy tissue. This can help explain the cause of miscarriage and guide future reproductive planning with your healthcare provider.

The cost of POCScreen may vary depending on the healthcare provider and laboratory requirements. It is best to confirm pricing directly with your doctor or the Next Biosciences team.

Medical aid coverage depends on your scheme and plan. Some providers may cover miscarriage testing if it is deemed medically necessary. It is recommended to confirm directly with your medical aid.

Yes, all POCScreen results are sent directly to your healthcare provider, who will review and discuss them with you.

Results are typically available within 7–10 working days from the time the sample is received at the laboratory.

Yes, POCScreen can provide valuable insights for patients experiencing recurrent miscarriage by identifying whether chromosomal abnormalities are a contributing factor.

A normal result means no chromosomal abnormalities were detected in the sample. Your healthcare provider may recommend further testing to explore other possible causes.

Downloads

Consent Download
Pregnancy Loss Support Document

References

  • Wapner et al. (2012) NEJM 367 (23): 2175-2184.
  • Jeve et all. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2014 Jul-Sep; 7(3): 159–16