Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a common blood screening test done in the 10th week of pregnancy. The NIPT test in pregnancy is widely popular and recommended for both single and twin pregnancies. It helps to find out the chromosomal abnormalities. It analyzes the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released from the placenta to assess the possibilities of trisomy syndrome. The placenta and fetus have similar DNA structures, so the NIPT test considers placental cfDNA without harming the fetus.
When is the NIPT test in pregnancy recommended?
The NIPT test is performed after 10 weeks of pregnancy to get the best results. because in this time the mother’s bloodstream contains a sufficient amount of cfDNA. NIPT test in pregnancy is suggested if a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities is found in other prenatal tests such as double marker test, quadruple marker test, or nuchal translucency (NT). In case of family history, pregnancy after age 35, abnormal findings in ultrasounds, or previous history of chromosomal abnormalities.
However, NIPT is not suggested by health physicians in case of carrying three or more babies. It is not suggested to any pregnant women having neoplastic disease or in the presence of a tumor because in these cases NIPT test may not yield an accurate result. The cell-free DNA from the dead tumor cell leads to incorrect prediction.
Why NIPT Test in Pregnancy is recommended?
NIPT test mainly helps to determine the chromosomal abnormality caused due to the presence of extra DNA in a cell. Normally, the human body typically has 23 pairs of DNA, which is a total of 46 chromosomes, but in the case of trisomy syndrome, the fetus used to have an extra chromosome, which is a total of 47 chromosomes. Trisomy syndrome causes genetic diseases like small head, short neck, or other physical abnormalities.
- Accuracy: The NIPT test in pregnancy gives 99% accurate results in predicting chromosomal abnormalities.
- Non-Invasive: NIPT is an invasive procedure and does not require any surgical intervention. It takes the blood samples from the mother’s arm and conducts the laboratory analysis.
- Early detection: NIPT helps to determine the chromosomal abnormalities earlier, just after the 10th week of pregnancy, and prepare the couple financially or mentally.
The NIPT test in pregnancy is a non-invasive technique and gives the most accurate result on chromosomal abnormalities, especially in the case of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). It is an easy prenatal screening test analyzed by taking the blood sample of the pregnant woman. The earlier detection helps parents to make informed decisions before the child’s birth. Medgenome provides reliable NIPT testing to help find genetic problems early and safely during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should do the NIPT test?
Pregnant women above 35 age have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities. A health physician may ask you for an NIPT pregnancy test in case of family history or previous cases of similar chromosomal abnormalities.
What are the common chromosome abnormalities identified by NIPT?
NIPT predicts three types of chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), and trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome).
Is there any risk associated with the NIPT test?
No. There is no risk of doing the NIPT test. It is a non-invasive technique.
