What is Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)?
During pregnancy, fragments of the baby’s genetic material circulate freely in the mother’s blood. NIPT looks at these fragments to assess the likelihood of specific numerical chromosomal abnormalities, including:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
Depending on the panel, the test may also screen for sex chromosome abnormalities (such as Turner or Klinefelter syndrome) and determine the baby’s biological sex if desired.
While NIPT is highly sensitive, it is a screening — not a diagnostic — test. This means that abnormal results should be followed by confirmatory diagnostic testing (amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling [CVS]) for a final answer.
Who Should Consider Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)?
NIPT is available to anyone who is pregnant, no matter their age or medical background. But there are certain situations where your doctor may be more likely to recommend it. For example, if you’re 35 or older, or if an ultrasound raises questions about the baby’s development, NIPT can help provide early answers. It’s also commonly suggested if you’ve had a previous pregnancy affected by a genetic condition or if there’s a family history of chromosomal disorders.
Many people who are pregnant through IVF or using donor eggs also choose to do NIPT — not because the risk is necessarily higher, but because it can offer added reassurance. And even if none of these situations apply, you may still want to consider the test simply to feel more informed, early on, without going through anything invasive.
Why Choose NIPT?
For many parents-to-be, the appeal of NIPT lies in its combination of accuracy, safety, and timing. The test has over 99% sensitivity for conditions like Down syndrome, making it one of the most reliable early screening options available. It’s noninvasive, requiring just a simple blood draw — no procedures, no risk to the baby.
You can take the test as early as week 10 of pregnancy and, if you’d like, find out the baby’s biological sex at the same time. But perhaps most importantly, NIPT offers peace of mind. When paired with ultrasound and other early evaluations, it gives you a more complete picture — and that can make all the difference in how you plan, prepare, and experience your pregnancy.
How the Test Works
The process is simple. A single blood sample is drawn from the mother’s arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, where cell-free fetal DNA is analyzed using advanced genomic technology. Results are typically available within 7 to 15 working days.
There’s no need for special preparation. The test is noninvasive for the pregnancy and poses no risk to the baby. However it does require venipuncture to collect blood from the pregnant mother.
Contact Personal Manager
Make an appointment or request more information. Leave your contact details and our team will get in touch with you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We know that fertility care often brings up many questions — and that every journey is different. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask.
Is NIPT a diagnostic test?
No. It is a screening test. If results suggest a high risk, further diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis or CVS is recommended.
When can I take the test?
As early as 10 weeks into pregnancy.
What happens if the result is abnormal?
You will be offered genetic counseling and further diagnostic options to understand the result and discuss next steps.
