The Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is offered as follow-up test when the combined test shows a high chance for chromosomal abnormalities, or in case of a medical need. Studies have shown that the NIPT detects more cases of Down syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome than the combined test, and is also more accurate. The NIPT tests the blood of pregnant woman and therefore has no risks for miscarriages in comparison to other follow-up tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. The blood of the pregnant woman contains placenta DNA and DNA from the mother. The placenta DNA is almost always the same as the DNA of the child. The blood is drawn and sent for testing to one of our reference laboratories. Testing for chromosomal abnormalities takes place, allowing the determination of whether the child has Down syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome. The NIPT can be performed from the 10th week of the pregnancy and also allows the determination of sex. Additional screening for Sickle Cell Disease, B-Thalassemia and Mucoviscidosis can also be performed. Your obstetrician or gynaecologist can tell you more about the different tests.
Within 2 weeks the results are reported. If the NIPT shows a non-abnormal result no follow-up testing is needed. If the NIPT shows an abnormal result, there is a chance that the child does not have the disorder. You can only be certain if you have a chorionic villus sampling test or amniocentesis, but you can always decide not to do follow-up testing. Are you considering the termination of the pregnancy? In that case, you must first undergo a follow-up test to confirm the result. Read more about the procedures in our information folder “Prenatal screening with NIPT” available at LabHOH collection locations.
