World Thought Leaders in Prenatal Molecular Diagnostics to Convene in Lisbon, Portugal from 12-13 May 2014 Over the past several years there have been dramatic changes in the field of prenatal diagnostics, with an emphasis on greater molecular specificity and a strong preference for non-invasive testing.  The transition in favor of array-based cytogenetic assays in place of traditional karyotyping is well underway.  The use of sequence-based testing of cell-free DNA in maternal blood is becoming more common, although the recommendations suggest that such evidence of genetic abnormalities should be confirmed with more invasive procedures.  Currently, most sequence-based testing of cell-free DNA can provide accurate detection of aneuploidies, but not micro-deletions and micro-insertions.  Research aimed at isolation of nucleated fetal cells from maternal blood could provide the best of both worlds, with high genetic resolution and non-invasiveness, but technical challenges have prevented this approach from being commercialized thus far. Building upon the very successful inaugural meeting in Boston, Cambridge Healthtech Institute's Prenatal Molecular Diagnostics Europe conference aims to take an in-depth look at the current trends and guidelines in Europe for prenatal molecular diagnostics, while providing perspectives on how this rapidly changing field is likely to develop in Europe over the next several years.  In addition to the technical issues there are a number of other factors, including geographic differences, coverage of diagnostic tests from one country to another, challenges of clinical implementation of new procedures, and the increased need for genetic counseling perspectives, that need to be understood in order to forecast how this field is likely to develop in Europe.Coverage at Prenatal Molecular Diagnostics Europe may include, but is not limited to: - Technical advances for array-based cytogenetic analysis - Clinical validation and comparisons of cytogenetic results to karyotyping - Comparisons of different sequenced-based cell-free DNA diagnostics - Limitations and false positives with cell-free DNA analysis - Single cell sequencing for pre-implantation molecular diagnostics - Sample prep advances related to prenatal molecular diagnostics - Challenges with fetal cell isolation and analysis - Changes in medical guidelines for high risk and general pregnancy diagnostics - Regulatory landscape for sequence-based diagnostics approval - Reimbursement questions and experiences for novel prenatal testing - Practical clinical perspective of changes with prenatal diagnostics - Experiences and concerns related to genetic counseling in a prenatal setting