During pregnancy, there is a lot to wrap your head around. Plenty of knowledge and information to be absorbed. From regular doctor visits to multiple checks and the constant reference to different medical acronyms. Almost as if you are learning a new language. And then there is “NIPT.”
NIPT is short for non-invasive prenatal testing. While the name may sound a bit technical, the test itself is quite simple. In this, blood is collected from the mother’s bloodstream. And this blood gives a lot of insights into the baby’s genetic health. This helps you find out beforehand if there are any potential medical concerns related to your baby.
In this blog, we’ll be highlighting 7 important aspects of NIPT that you should know of before getting started. So let’s get started.
It’s a “Non-Invasive” Test
NIPT takes only a blood sample from the mother. Therefore, there is no risk of any physical harm to the baby or even a miscarriage. So it really is a low-stress option for genetic testing in contrast to both amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), which require a needle to go inside your uterus, putting your baby at risk.
It Uses the Mother’s Blood to Find the Baby’s DNA
The NIPT test uses the mother’s blood to determine if her blood contains fragments of the baby’s DNA. When a woman becomes pregnant, as her placenta grows, it will pull part of the placenta away from the walls of the womb and leave small bits of that DNA in the mother’s blood. These small pieces are called cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Scientists can test this cfDNA from the mother for chromosome patterns in order to search for evidence of a possible genetic defect in the baby.
It’s Just a Screening Test, Not a Diagnosis
An NIPT provides a number that indicates a potential risk based on the result of the test, but it does not provide a specific yes or no answer. If an NIPT indicates a high risk of having a genetic anomaly, your doctor typically will suggest further testing (such as aminocentesis) to confirm the results of the NIPT.
It’s Highly Accurate for Down Syndrome
NIPT testing for Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) has an accuracy rating of over 99 percent, which far exceeds the accuracy of traditional first-trimester screening (75-90 percent). So it can be a very helpful tool for diagnosing this condition in the foetus.
It Checks for Other Major Conditions Too
In addition to Down syndrome, NIPT tests offer the ability to test for the following three significant genetic abnormalities:
– Trisomy 18 (Edward’s Syndrome)
– Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome)
– Sex Chromosome Abnormalities
It Can Be Done Very Early
Most NIPT tests can be performed as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy. This allows parents sufficient time to investigate results and prepare to deal with any potential complications way in advance.
It Isn’t Just for “High-Risk” Pregnancies
In the past, only women over 35 or those with a family history of genetic disorders were advised to go for NIPT testing. However, due to new recommendations, the medical community now advocates NIPT testing for all pregnant women, regardless of age or family history, because it offers the highest level of assurance for screening.
Summing It Up
The NIPT is a powerful tool that offers early peace of mind for many parents. It’s safe and highly accurate for diagnosing certain conditions. Just remember that it is a screening tool designed to guide your care, not a final word. Talking to a genetic counselor or your OB-GYN can help you make sure it’s the right step for your family.
And if you’re planning to book one, you can consider LifeCell’s NIPT test includes 26 tests from the maternal blood sample. To learn more about this, you can visit their website or call their helpline 18002665533.
