What is NIPT (Non-invasive Prenatal Screening Test ?
Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) offers high-risk obstetric patients a noninvasive way to determine the risk of birth defects through a blood test. This is achieved by measuring traces of fetal DNA found in maternal blood; the test can detect fetal aneuploidies with excellent accuracy across all common fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Provides invaluable insight to patient for taking informed decisions with regard to electing CVS or amniocentesis (invasive) versus Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) method
It is used as 1st tier screening test for high-risk pregnancy or 2nd tier screening for general and high-risk pregnancy
Advantage of NIPT Test
- Higher positive predictive value (PPV) than MSS, NT, or a combination of both
- Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) can be performed from as early as 10 weeks’ gestation.
- Whole genome massively parallel shotgun sequencing (MPSS)
- Binary positive/negative result for core trisomies (T21, T18, T13)
About the Test
Gestation Age for Screening (weeks): 9-10 weeks (can be done till term)
Detection Rate (DR) for Trisomy 21 (%): 99%
Advantage: Highest Detection Rate; Can be performed as early as 9-10 weeks’ gestation
Methodology: Next Generation Sequencing (massively parallel, MPSS/SNP) of Cell-free DNA from dead trophoblast cells in maternal blood
Sample Type: Maternal Blood in Special Streck (Black) Tube
