Guidelines (Pano)

The Guidelines (Pano) course is designed to help healthcare providers, genetic counselors, and clinical staff understand and apply professional recommendations and best practices related to Panorama noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). This course begins by reviewing the role of clinical guidelines in ensuring that genetic testing is used appropriately, safely, and effectively, and how adherence improves patient outcomes while minimizing unnecessary testing or confusion. Learners will explore guidelines from major professional organizations such as ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), SMFM (Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine), and other authoritative bodies, with specific emphasis on when and how Panorama should be offered to patients.

The course highlights key guideline concepts, including recommended patient populations for NIPT, optimal timing during pregnancy, and indications for screening based on risk factors such as maternal age, family history, or prior pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities. Learners will understand how to interpret results in the context of guideline-recommended workflows, including follow-up steps for high-risk or inconclusive findings, and when additional diagnostic testing (e.g., CVS or amniocentesis) is recommended.

Practical instruction is provided on integrating Panorama testing guidelines into clinical practice. Participants will learn how to discuss testing options with patients, explain the clinical rationale for testing, and communicate the limitations and benefits of NIPT according to established standards. Case-based examples illustrate scenarios such as high-risk pregnancies, multiple gestations, or when screening is requested outside of guideline recommendations, emphasizing strategies for clinical decision-making and patient counseling.

The course also covers documentation and compliance considerations, including how to record patient counseling, test ordering, and result interpretation in alignment with professional standards and regulatory requirements. Interactive elements include knowledge checks on guideline application, case studies where learners make decisions based on patient scenarios, and exercises to practice effective communication of guideline-based recommendations.

Additionally, learners will explore the rationale behind updates to clinical guidelines, understanding how evidence from large studies, advances in technology, and patient outcomes drive changes to recommendations. Emphasis is placed on continuous education and staying informed about updates to ensure that testing practices remain current and evidence-based.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently apply Panorama testing guidelines in practice, identify patients who meet criteria for testing, interpret results according to recommendations, provide accurate patient counseling, and make informed decisions regarding follow-up testing. This ensures that genetic screening is performed responsibly, efficiently, and in a manner that aligns with professional standards and best practices for maternal-fetal care.