Maternal Cell Contamination Test
Short Name: MCC
Also known as: MCC Test, Maternal Cell Contamination Analysis
Maternal Cell Contamination Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses PCR, STR Analysis on Amniotic fluid / Cord Blood / Chorionic villi samples. Results in Reports are typically available within 2-3 days after the sample is received by the laboratory.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr SULOCHANA HEMCHANDRA HOLLA
Consultant Medical Geneticist · Reg: 8532
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the Maternal Cell Contamination test is to detect the presence of maternal cells in a fetal sample obtained through invasive prenatal procedures. This is crucial to ensure that the genetic analysis of the fetal sample is accurate and not contaminated by maternal DNA, which could lead to false results and misdiagnosis.
- Test Code
- 6129
- CPT Code
- CPT 81479
- ICD Code
- Z36.89
- Price
- ₹4,500
- Sample Type
- Amniotic fluid / Cord Blood / Chorionic villi
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available within 2-3 days after the sample is received by the laboratory.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- PCR, STR Analysis
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. However, a doctor's prescription is necessary for the test. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
Method: Amniocentesis, Cordocentesis, or Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Laboratory Analysis
The sample is collected by a qualified healthcare professional using sterile techniques. For amniocentesis, a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to withdraw fluid. For CVS, a small sample of placental tissue is taken. For cordocentesis, blood is drawn from the umbilical cord.
Report Delivery
After the procedure, you may experience mild cramping or discomfort. Rest for a short period and avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours. Contact your doctor if you experience fever, bleeding, or severe pain.
Timeline: Reports are typically available within 2-3 days after the sample is received by the laboratory.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Maternal Cell Contamination test is to detect the presence of maternal cells in a fetal sample obtained through invasive prenatal procedures. This is crucial to ensure that the genetic analysis of the fetal sample is accurate and not contaminated by maternal DNA, which could lead to false results and misdiagnosis.
How to Prepare
- Amniotic fluid: Collect in a sterile container, do not add any preservative.
- Chorionic villi: Place in a sterile container with sterile saline or transport medium.
- Cord blood: Collect in an EDTA vacutainer (2 ml).
- Maternal blood: Collect in an EDTA vacutainer (2 ml) for comparison.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr SULOCHANA HEMCHANDRA HOLLA — MBBS, MD (Medical Genetics) · Reg. No. 8532
"Maternal cell contamination is a critical quality control step in prenatal genetic testing. It ensures that the fetal sample is not diluted by maternal cells, which could lead to false results. This test is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of fetal conditions."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample not labeled properly
- Sample hemolyzed or clotted
- Insufficient sample volume
- Sample collected in wrong container
- Sample not transported within the specified time
Understanding Your Results
Negative
No maternal cell contamination detected. The fetal sample is suitable for genetic analysis.
Positive
Maternal cell contamination detected. The fetal sample may be contaminated, and results of genetic tests may be unreliable. A repeat sample may be required.
Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about the accuracy of your prenatal test results, or if you experience any complications after the sample collection procedure. Also, consult a genetic counselor for interpretation of results and further guidance.
Limitations
- ⚠The test cannot distinguish between maternal and fetal cells if the mother is pregnant with a male fetus and the sample is contaminated with maternal blood.
- ⚠Results may be inconclusive if the sample is degraded or insufficient.
- ⚠The test does not detect all types of contamination, only maternal cell contamination.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Risk of miscarriage (for invasive procedures)
- ●Infection
- ●Bleeding
- ●Amniotic fluid leakage
Interfering Factors
- ●Improper sample collection or handling
- ●Contamination during laboratory processing
- ●Maternal blood contamination in amniotic fluid sample
- ●Insufficient fetal DNA in the sample
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Maternal Cell Contamination | Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) | Amniocentesis | Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Maternal Cell Contamination | NIPT is a screening test that analyzes fetal DNA in maternal blood. It does not carry the risk of invasive procedures but is not diagnostic. MCC testing is used to confirm the purity of invasive samples. | Amniocentesis is an invasive diagnostic procedure that collects amniotic fluid. MCC testing is often performed on the amniotic fluid sample to ensure it is not contaminated with maternal cells. | CVS is an invasive procedure that collects placental tissue. MCC testing is crucial for CVS samples as they are more prone to maternal cell contamination. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maternal Cell Contamination?
Why is the Maternal Cell Contamination test done?
How is the sample collected for this test?
Is fasting required before the test?
What is the cost of the Maternal Cell Contamination test?
How long does it take to get the results?
What does a positive result mean?
What does a negative result mean?
Are there any risks associated with the sample collection?
Can this test be done at home?
Is a doctor's prescription required?
What is the sample type required?
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