Understanding More About NIPT

Pregnant women should undergo several medical tests to prevent complications while giving birth to a baby. With medical technologies are advancing day by day, they can easily detect the defects and other problems that can affect the life of an infant. However, a woman should know more about the details of screening tests in detail that will help gain ideas easily. Moreover, they allow a woman to understand the purpose and other things before choosing a test. The screening tests for pregnant women provide ways to take care of a mother and baby with more attention to avoid risks. 

What is NIPT?

Non-invasive prenatal testing, shortly known as NIPT, is a screening procedure meant for a pregnant woman to determine genetic abnormalities such as chromosomal disorders in a baby. It plays a key role in screening Down’s Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Patau Syndrome. Not only that, NIPT allows a woman to know the problems caused by missing chromosomes. On the other hand, the test doesn’t screen certain genetic disorders such as sickle anaemia, cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, etc. It is not a diagnostic procedure and predicts only the risks of low or high genetic conditions. 

How is NIPT performed?

The NIPT screening involves taking a blood sample from a pregnant woman. A screening centre will send the blood sample to a reputed laboratory and technicians will analyse the results. It is usually done from 10 weeks into the pregnancy that will help a lot to prevent a baby from potential threats. Some laboratories even test the gender of a baby and screen the sexual chromosomal problems effectively. It is important to know more about the test from different sources that will help get ready for the procedure without any difficulties. 

How accurate is the NIPT screening?

NIPT screening procedure predicts Down’s Syndrome with a 99% detection rate and a false rate of less than 0.5%. At the same time, the sensitivity to other conditions is slightly slow butstill strong. A negative screening test doesn’t mean that a baby is safe from genetic disorders. Sometimes, false-positive screening tests can happen, and a pregnant woman should choose an accredited and approved screening centre. For those who tested positive results, a healthcare provider will recommend some additional diagnostic tests that will help detect chromosomal abnormalities. At the same time, it is imperative to consult with a doctor before undergoing a test. 

When do doctors recommend the test?

NIPT is ideal for pregnant women to screen genetic disorders in a baby. Doctors recommend the test for a woman who is 35 years or older at delivery. Moreover, the test is the best option for those who have experienced abnormal test results from other screen procedures or tests. The procedure is suitable for a pregnant woman who has a prior history of chromosomal abnormality. Pregnant women who have received IVF treatments earlier and experienced habitual abortion can benefit a lot from the NIPT screening procedure. 

What are the advantages of NIPT?

NIPT is a convenient and safe procedure allowing a woman to screen genetic disorders with high accuracy. Apart from that, it involves no miscarriage that provides ways to minimize unwanted issues. The screening procedure allows a couple to manage a child’s genetic health better by providing early information. It even shows ways to prepare for the birth of a baby and early intervention whenever possible. Besides that, expecting parents can get reassurance from the screening procedure that will help gain advantages. The test gives ways to find solutions for genetic disorders in a baby. 

What is the cost of NIPT?

The cost of NIPT depends on certain factors and a couple should evaluate the same properly. Some of them include the type of screening procedure, location, and health conditions. Although some insurance companies offer maternity benefits for women, theyshould check with their insurers to know whether such a facility is available or not. It is important to know the cost of NIPT screening from various sources before choosing the procedure. Couples should consult with doctors to evaluate the prices in detail. This, in turn, pave the way to make the right decision accordingly when it comes to the screening test. 

How to schedule an appointment for the NIPT test?

A pregnant woman can schedule an appointment for the NIPT test online in simple steps. At the same time, she should read reviews and testimonials of screening centres first that will help gather more information. It is wise to contact a centre through phone or customer support team to book an appointment earlier. Since the test results take 2 weeks to receive, pregnant women should consider scheduling an appointment as soon as possible. The test results will indicate whether a pregnant woman requires any additional tests. Also, it helpsto detect the chromosomal abnormalities accurately to undergo a treatment based on them.