NIPT is a non invasive prenatal testing that can detect Down’s syndrome  and a few other chromosomal conditions at 10 weeks of pregnancy  or later. It can also be used to check the sex of the baby. This test is available for women with high risk pregnancies . However experts believe that it will be a standard test one day replacing other riskier tests.

What does NIPT do ?

This test is used to check a small amount of your baby’s DNA that is naturally found in your blood. NIPD can also check for birth defects such as Down’s syndrome, trisomy 14 and 18 as well as inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis , hemophilia and others. It can also determine the sex of your baby.

This test is more accurate than similar screening tests with nuchal translucency, such as the blood test in the first trimester screening or the quad test. As a result , women could be spared many women invasive procedures such as amniocentesis and CVS.

How is the test done ?

NIPD is a simple blood test. The technician will draw blood from your arm. There is no harm to you or your baby.

What do the test results mean ?

If the test results come back negative, it means your baby is at low risk for birth defects. If it comes back positive, your doctor will recommend further testing such as an ultrasound, CVS or amniocentesis.

How often is NIPD done during pregnancy ?

The test is done once between 10 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. The result are available in a couple of weeks or more depending on the lab. The test is available to all women but covered by insurance for women 35 years or older and women at high risk of chromosomal abnormalities.