Introduction

Non-invasive prenatal testing is a prenatal test recommended to screen for genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. It is a necessary test to ensure the well-being of the mother and the unborn baby in the womb. This blog emphasises all the details regarding the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test, its purposes, and what you can expect from this test.

What is NIPT?

Non-Invasive Prenatal Test or NIPT is a screening test performed during pregnancy to detect congenital abnormalities in the DNA of the growing baby. This test involves an ultrasound and blood test. It examines the small fragments of DNA called cfDNA (cell-free DNA)  taken from the placenta and isolated from blood. 

NIPT is not a diagnostic test; it only screens for genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome. This test can also detect the sex of the fetus. 

What does Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing look for?

NIPT is essential to screen for : 

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome )
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Disorder in sex chromosomes

NIPT helps to predict the sex of the fetus, and several sex chromosomal conditions are Triple X syndrome, Turner syndrome, and XYY syndrome. 

When is the best time to get the NIPT test?

The best time for NIPT depends on the individual’s needs and circumstances, as suggested by your healthcare provider. NIPT  is performed after 10 weeks of pregnancy. It can be done in different stages of pregnancy. Before 10 weeks a pregnant woman’s blood does not contain enough fetal DNA, so it is better to have it after 10 weeks. 

How long do NIPT test results take?

The test result of NIPT can be obtained within 15 to 20 days. Your health care provider will receive the test result first, and then he will share the test result with you. 

Should you get NIPT?

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing is recommended for women with high-risk pregnancies carrying a baby with a genetic disorder or mothers-to-be who are at the age of 35 and already have a child with a genetic condition. According to the recommendation of ACOG, your doctor will discuss the different screening options with you, and then you can make the final decision. 

Is the NIPT safe and accurate?

Yes, NIPT shows 99% accurate results, and Down syndrome can be detected in any unborn baby. There will be no need to have an invasive method for prenatal diagnosis. 

NIPT is a safe prenatal screening as it involves only the blood of the pregnant woman without bothering the baby. This test does not require any needles or other instruments to be inserted inside the womb, thus avoiding the potential risk of miscarriage. It only recognizes the risk for chromosomal abnormalities and does not offer any definite diagnosis. 

Read More: Prenatal Testing Before Pregnancy- Essential Tests Every Parent Must Know

What do the results of the NIPT Test mean?

The report of the NIPT Test is divided into three sections.

• “Low Chance” refers to the lower chances of being affected by the Edwards, Down, or Patau syndrome.
• “High Chance” indicates the higher possibility of having Edwards’, Down, or Patau syndrome.
• “No Recall Value” indicates the test does not yield any result. You need to discuss with your health care provider about the test results if the report shows such an option. 

What to do if a NIPT test is positive?

If the NIPT test report shows a positive result, that means it indicates a high risk of a specific genetic condition or chromosomal abnormalities. But it is not a diagnostic test. You should consult with your health care provider to undergo several tests, such as amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test, to ensure the genetic condition of the unborn baby.  

What should you expect from Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing?

It is quite natural to have questions about the procedure of such a screening test. Here you can get the detailed information regarding your expectations from Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing. You may check the following steps:

First step: Taking preparation for your NIPT Test

You will be recommended to take a few glasses of water 1 hour before the ultrasound. 

Second step: Ultrasound Scan

The NIPT Test is done in two parts, and both procedures are non-invasive. An ultrasound is performed in the first part of the test

Third Step: Blood Sample Collection

The sample of blood will be collected from your arm.  The sample will be sent to the laboratory. A technician will analyze the blood sample to detect chromosomal abnormalities. 

Fourth step: NIPT Test Result

You can get the test result within 15 to 20 days after the test. The report will be sent to your health care provider, outlining the risk to your baby in the womb. 

Fifth Step: Care after procedure

After the test, you can carry on your regular activities without having any special care. Your doctor will suggest the necessary instructions after checking your test report.  

If you have decided to have a prenatal test and are seeking a trusted institute, then you can visit Fetal Imaging Institute, one of the best institutes for prenatal care in Kolkata. We offer a wide range of fetal services such as fetal scans, gynecological scans, and genetic services. We aim to provide the proper care to mothers with high-risk pregnancies through several advanced diagnostic tests as well as screening, including early detection of genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities. Our experts will guide you throughout the procedure of the necessary tests. Our standardized report will ensure the condition of your fetus. We are experienced in handling complex pregnancies with expertise. 

Contact us today to keep your fetus in the expert hands.  

Conclusion

The prenatal screening NIPT helps to detect any genetic disorder of a baby by analysing the DNA from the baby’s placenta through the blood of the mother. It is one of the most accurate screening tests to get informed about the well-being of your fetus. Your health care provider will recommend the best time for you to have the test, at your consent. This blog article includes the purpose as well as the complete procedure of this test. One of the most significant aspects of this test is that it can predict the gender of the unborn baby. Contact with a health care provider of a reputable diagnostic center can be a great idea to take care of the mother and the unborn baby in the womb.