{"id":116960,"date":"2025-09-29T17:45:40","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T08:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T15:06:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T06:06:56","slug":"nipt-eligibility-age-limit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Can Anyone Receive Prenatal Testing? Conditions and Age Restrictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In recent years, <strong>prenatal testing<\/strong> has attracted growing attention as a way to detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy. Among the options, <strong>Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a>)<\/strong> has become increasingly popular because it only requires a maternal blood sample, carries minimal physical risk to the mother, and provides highly accurate results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, many people wonder: <em>\u201cIs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> available to everyone?\u201d<\/em> and <em>\u201cAre there age or eligibility requirements for testing?\u201d<\/em><br>This article provides a detailed explanation of the actual conditions and age restrictions for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> in Japan, as well as the ethical and regulatory background, based on professional insights and evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">\u76ee\u6b21<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#What_is_NIPT\" >What is NIPT?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#Current_Eligibility_for_NIPT_in_Japan\" >Current Eligibility for NIPT in Japan<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#1_Testing_at_Accredited_Facilities_per_Japan_Society_of_Obstetrics_and_Gynecology_guidelines\" >1. Testing at Accredited Facilities (per Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#2_Non-accredited_Facilities_Private_Clinics\" >2. Non-accredited Facilities (Private Clinics)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#Is_There_an_Age_Restriction_for_NIPT\" >Is There an Age Restriction for NIPT?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#Why_Are_There_Eligibility_Conditions_Ethical_and_Social_Background\" >Why Are There Eligibility Conditions? Ethical and Social Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#International_Comparisons\" >International Comparisons<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#How_to_Decide_if_NIPT_is_Right_for_You\" >How to Decide if NIPT is Right for You<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#NIPT_Testing_Decision_Flow\" >NIPT Testing Decision Flow<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#What_If_the_Result_is_Positive\" >What If the Result is Positive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#Trends_Among_Younger_Women\" >Trends Among Younger Women<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#Systemic_and_Ethical_Considerations\" >Systemic and Ethical Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\/#NIPT_and_the_Value_of_%E2%80%9CChoice%E2%80%9D_and_%E2%80%9CInformation%E2%80%9D\" >NIPT and the Value of \u201cChoice\u201d and \u201cInformation\u201d<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_NIPT\"><\/span>What is NIPT?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> analyzes fragments of cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) found in maternal blood from <strong>10 weeks of pregnancy onward<\/strong> to estimate the likelihood of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.<br>It primarily targets the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Accuracy is reported to be very high, with both sensitivity and specificity exceeding <strong>99%<\/strong> (Bianchi et al., 2014).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Current_Eligibility_for_NIPT_in_Japan\"><\/span>Current Eligibility for NIPT in Japan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Testing_at_Accredited_Facilities_per_Japan_Society_of_Obstetrics_and_Gynecology_guidelines\"><\/span>1. Testing at Accredited Facilities (per Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Accredited facilities designated by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) require at least one of the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pregnant women aged 35 or older<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>History of a pregnancy or birth involving a chromosomal abnormality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ultrasound findings suggestive of chromosomal abnormality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family history of genetic disorders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These conditions reflect <strong>medical indications<\/strong>, based on the view that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> is a medical procedure that should be restricted to higher-risk pregnancies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Non-accredited_Facilities_Private_Clinics\"><\/span>2. Non-accredited Facilities (Private Clinics)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some private clinics, known as \u201cnon-accredited facilities,\u201d allow <strong>anyone to undergo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> regardless of age<\/strong> at the discretion of the physician. While the test itself may be reliable, there are significant differences in genetic counseling, result explanation, and support systems, so choosing a facility requires careful consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_There_an_Age_Restriction_for_NIPT\"><\/span>Is There an Age Restriction for NIPT?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>JSOG guideline<\/strong>: Sets <strong>35 years or older<\/strong> as a benchmark. However, this has no legal binding power and is not due to test accuracy but rather <strong>ethical considerations and resource allocation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research findings<\/strong>: Studies show that chromosomal abnormalities also occur in women in their 20s and early 30s, so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> remains clinically valuable in younger populations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Are_There_Eligibility_Conditions_Ethical_and_Social_Background\"><\/span>Why Are There Eligibility Conditions? Ethical and Social Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Concerns about universal screening<\/strong>: Offering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> to all pregnant women could create social pressure implying that \u201cnot giving birth to a child with abnormalities is preferable.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WHO perspective<\/strong>: The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of <strong>\u201cinformed choice\u201d<\/strong> in its guidelines on prenatal testing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need for genetic counseling<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> is a screening test, not a diagnostic one. A positive result must be confirmed with invasive diagnostic tests (e.g., amniocentesis). Therefore, accurate understanding through counseling before and after testing is essential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"International_Comparisons\"><\/span>International Comparisons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>United States<\/strong>: Since 2017, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recommended considering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> for <strong>all pregnant women<\/strong>, citing that chromosomal abnormality risk exists regardless of age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>United Kingdom<\/strong>: The NHS provides <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> to pregnant women identified as having a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities through initial screening, applying a <strong>risk-based approach<\/strong>, similar to Japan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Decide_if_NIPT_is_Right_for_You\"><\/span>How to Decide if NIPT is Right for You<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Key self-checkpoints:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are you <strong>35 years or older<\/strong> at the time of pregnancy?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have concerns or family history of chromosomal abnormalities?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have a plan for how to respond to the results (diagnostic testing, pregnancy continuation, etc.)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are you choosing a medical institution with reliable <strong>counseling services<\/strong>?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"NIPT_Testing_Decision_Flow\"><\/span>NIPT Testing Decision Flow<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Around 10 weeks, your physician introduces <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> as an option<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Undergo genetic counseling (mandatory or optional depending on facility)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand benefits, limitations, and false-positive potential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discuss the plan with your partner or family<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide whether to proceed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Testing performed, results returned in about 1 week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If positive, consider confirmatory testing such as amniocentesis<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_If_the_Result_is_Positive\"><\/span>What If the Result is Positive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> is <strong>only a screening test<\/strong> \u2014 a \u201cpositive\u201d result does <strong>not equal a confirmed diagnosis<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>About <strong>5% false positives<\/strong> have been reported (Benn et al., 2019).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Final confirmation requires invasive diagnostic testing (e.g., amniocentesis).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"\/nipt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/32943421_s.webp\" alt=\"\u598a\u5a66\" class=\"wp-image-116072\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trends_Among_Younger_Women\"><\/span>Trends Among Younger Women<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Growing demand among women in their 20s<\/strong><br>Despite official restrictions, more women in their 20s are requesting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> due to:<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/early-nipt-august-only\/\">Early<\/a> access to information via social media and the internet<\/li><li>Desire for reassurance<\/li><li>Higher awareness among educated or higher-income groups<\/li><\/ul>According to a 2021 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare report, about <strong>7% of women in their 20s<\/strong> requested <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a>, with the number increasing annually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cases of rejection due to age<\/strong><br>Some accredited facilities refuse testing to women under 35, forcing them to turn to non-accredited clinics. This highlights <strong>information and healthcare disparities<\/strong> in Japan\u2019s current system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Systemic_and_Ethical_Considerations\"><\/span>Systemic and Ethical Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Insurance coverage and system reform<\/strong><br>In Japan, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> is usually self-funded, costing <strong>\u00a5100,000\u2013200,000<\/strong>. This high cost prevents some women from accessing it. Systems similar to other countries, such as partial public funding, are needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dual structure of accredited vs. non-accredited facilities<\/strong><br>Accredited facilities impose strict conditions, while non-accredited facilities allow nearly universal access. This inconsistency raises questions about fairness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improved information dissemination<\/strong><br>Some women undergo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> without fully understanding it. Easy-to-understand resources and better communication from doctors and counselors are essential.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"NIPT_and_the_Value_of_%E2%80%9CChoice%E2%80%9D_and_%E2%80%9CInformation%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>NIPT and the Value of \u201cChoice\u201d and \u201cInformation\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/\">NIPT<\/a> is now available to anyone.<br>In practice, however, guidelines and systems still create disparities between those who can and cannot access it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, the focus should be on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensuring equal access to accurate medical information regardless of age<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing psychological and institutional support for handling results<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seeing the test not as the goal itself but as part of making <strong>informed life choices<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Future prenatal testing policy in Japan must evolve toward <strong>\u201cfairer and safer healthcare for all pregnant women and families.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In recent years, pre&#8230;\n <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/nipt-eligibility-age-limit\/?lang=en\">\u7d9a\u304d\u3092\u8aad\u3080<\/a>","protected":false},"author":122,"featured_media":116836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-116960","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116960","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/122"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116960"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116960\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":118161,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116960\/revisions\/118161"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116960"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116960"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116960"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}