NIPT - Prenatal Genetic Testing
Prenatal genetic tests aim to assess the fetus's genetic status early in pregnancy and screen for major chromosomal abnormalities. One of the most advanced non-invasive tests in this category is NIPT.
What is the NIPT test?
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a genetic screening test performed on maternal blood, analyzing cell-free fetal DNA. It assesses the likelihood of certain chromosomal disorders.
Conditions Detected by NIPT
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
- Sex chromosome anomalies (depending on package)
- Turner syndrome
- Klinefelter syndrome
NIPT Testing Timeline
- Available from 10th–11th week of pregnancy
- Earlier testing not recommended
- Requires sufficient fetal DNA in maternal blood
- Simple blood draw procedure
- Results typically available within 1-2 weeks
- High sensitivity screening test
Important: This is a screening, not a diagnostic test
NIPT does not provide a diagnosis—it estimates the probability of chromosomal abnormalities.
If NIPT indicates a high risk, invasive diagnostic testing is recommended to confirm the findings.
What happens if NIPT detects a potential issue?
If NIPT indicates a high risk, invasive diagnostic testing is recommended to confirm the findings. These tests analyze cells directly from the fetus or placenta and provide a definitive diagnosis but carry a small risk of miscarriage (0.1–0.5%).
Invasive Diagnostic Tests
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
- Timing: Weeks 11–14 of pregnancy
- Method: Placental sample via cervix or abdomen
- Performed under ultrasound guidance
- Purpose: chromosomal or molecular genetic diagnosis
- Provides definitive diagnosis
- Small risk of miscarriage (0.1–0.5%)
Amniocentesis
- Timing: From week 16 of pregnancy
- Method: Amniotic fluid sampling via abdominal needle
- Contains fetal cells for analysis
- Purpose: chromosomal testing and genetic screening
- Possible infection screening capability
- Small risk of miscarriage (0.1–0.5%)
Comparison of Prenatal Testing Options
| Test | When? | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIPT | From week 10–11 | No miscarriage risk, high sensitivity | Not diagnostic |
| CVS | Weeks 11–14 | Early diagnosis | Small risk of miscarriage |
| Amniocentesis | From week 16 | Diagnosis, detailed results | Later testing, small risk of miscarriage |
Advanced Prenatal Screening for Peace of Mind
Our comprehensive prenatal genetic testing services provide early detection of chromosomal abnormalities, enabling informed decision-making throughout your pregnancy journey with the highest standards of safety and accuracy.
