NIPT for Expecting Parents – In Simple Words
What is NIPT?
Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a simple blood test taken from the mother’s arm from 10 weeks of pregnancy. It looks at tiny DNA fragments from the placenta circulating in the mother’s blood to screen for certain chromosome conditions (mainly Down syndrome [Trisomy 21], Edwards [T18], and Patau [T13]). It’s highly accurate for these three, but it is still a screen, not a diagnosis. If NIPT suggests a higher chance, your doctor will discuss confirmatory tests such as CVS or amniocentesis.
Important: In India, revealing the baby’s sex is illegal under the PC-PNDT Act. We do not test for or disclose foetal sex.
Why do parents choose NIPT?
- Early information (from 10 weeks).
- No risk to the baby—it’s just a blood draw.
- More accurate than traditional first-trimester blood screens for the three common trisomies, helping many families avoid invasive tests.
Enquire for NIPT
Who is NIPT suitable for?
NIPT can be offered to all pregnant people after counselling and shared decision-making. It’s especially helpful if:
You’ll be 35+ at delivery (higher age-related risk).
A prior screen (combined/quad) was positive or borderline.
Your ultrasound shows markers that may raise concern.
You have a previous pregnancy with T21/T18/T13, or a relevant family history/parental chromosomal rearrangement.
You prefer a more accurate screen before considering invasive tests.
Special situations
With Vaccination
Twins/IVF/donor egg: NIPT can be considered, but performance and reporting can differ; this will be explained during counselling. Vanishing twin or a foetal demise can make results inaccurate, so diagnostic testing may be advised.
What NIPT does not do
- It does not diagnose by itself (it estimates chance).
- It does not detect all genetic or structural conditions.
- Routine microdeletion screening (e.g., 22q11.2) is not recommended for everyone because the conditions are rare and false-positives can be higher; we only offer these after counselling when clinically indicated.
Are there any risks or downsides?
- To you/baby: Only the routine risks of a blood draw (mild pain, bruising).
- Test limitations: Sometimes there isn’t enough placental DNA in the sample (low foetal fraction). This is more likely very early in pregnancy, with higher maternal BMI, or in some special clinical contexts. You may be asked to repeat the test or consider diagnostic testing based on your scan and history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I do NIPT?
From 10 weeks of pregnancy. Your care team will confirm dates from your scan.
Is NIPT safe for my baby?
Yes. It’s a non-invasive maternal blood test—no risk to the foetus.
What conditions are screened?
Primarily Trisomy 21, 18, and 13. Some panels may add sex-chromosome differences and selected microdeletions, but we use these selectively after counselling.
How accurate is NIPT?
For T21/T18/T13, NIPT has higher detection and lower false-positive rates than traditional serum screens, but it is not diagnostic. A high-chance result should be confirmed with CVS/amnio.
What do my results mean?
- Low chance: Very reassuring, but not a guarantee of a chromosomally typical baby.
- High chance: We’ll arrange confirmatory testing and a consultation to discuss options.
- No-call/low foetal fraction: We may repeat the test after 1–2 weeks, or advise diagnostic testing depending on your scan and history.
I’m having twins / used IVF / donor egg. Can I do NIPT?
Often yes, but there are limitations and some add-on panels aren’t suitable. If there’s a vanishing twin or one foetus has a problem, NIPT can be unreliable and diagnostic testing is usually advised.
Can NIPT tell me my baby’s sex?
No. In India, disclosing foetal sex is illegal under the PC-PNDT Act. Our reports do not reveal sex.
Are there alternative or additional tests?
- Ultrasound remains essential in all pregnancies.
- Combined/quad screening may be offered if NIPT is not chosen.
- CVS/Amniocentesis provide a definitive diagnosis when needed.
Learn more about these tests and understand the difference between each.
How long do results take?
Typically about a week after the lab receives your sample. Your counsellor will discuss timelines.
Are there alternative or additional tests?
- Ultrasound remains essential in all pregnancies.
- Combined/quad screening may be offered if NIPT is not chosen.
- CVS/Amniocentesis provide a definitive diagnosis when needed.
Learn more about these tests and understand the difference between each.
What can I do to reduce the chance of a ‘no-call’?
Testing after 10 weeks helps. If you have a higher BMI, your clinician may suggest waiting a little longer or planning for a redraw if needed. (Some health factors and medications can also affect the foetal fraction.)
Quick checklist: Is NIPT right for us?
- We want early, non-invasive screening.
- We understand NIPT is a screen, not a diagnosis.
- We’re comfortable doing confirmatory testing if the result shows higher chance.
- We accept that sex disclosure is unlawful and will not be reported.
Friendly reminder: Whatever you choose, your midwife/obstetrician will support you. Many parents use NIPT to guide next steps alongside ultrasound and routine antenatal care (and many also choose not to—both are valid choices).
