Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Non­-Invasive Prenatal Testing, or NIPT, uses a relatively new technology to screen for certain chromosomal abnormalities by looking at fragments of your baby’s genetic material that have crossed the placenta and are circulating in your blood stream. It requires only a sample of your blood and can be done as early as nine to 10 weeks into your pregnancy. Results are usually available within two weeks.

In research studies, NIPT appears to correctly identify 99 percent of women carrying fetuses with Down syndrome as “high risk.” Its sensitivity is lower for trisomy 18, trisomy 13 and sex chromosomal differences.

Like all screening tests, NIPT does not detect all cases of Down syndrome or other screened conditions.

Is NIPT Right for You?

Your doctor may recommend NIPT if you are at a somewhat higher risk for having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. Risk factors include:

• Being 35 years or older
• Having had a positive result for a chromosomal problem on your first Integrated screening test
• Carrying a baby with a birth defect associated with chromosomal abnormality

If your result from this test is positive for a chromosomal abnormality, you will need further diagnostic testing like CVS or amniocentesis to see if your baby actually has such an abnormality. It can tell your baby’s gender earlier than ultrasound and check if your baby is Rh positive or negative. NIPT cannot detect neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and physical birth defects like a cleft palate.

Because this is a new test, not all insurance plans cover it and those that do typically cover the test only if there is a higher than average risk of a chromosomal abnormality.