You’ve taken the NIPT test (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), a major step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Now the report is in your hands, and like many expecting parents, you may be wondering: “What do these results really mean?”
In this blog, we help you decode your NIPT report, understand the medical terminology, and know what steps to take next, with expert guidance from NM Medical, a trusted name in NIPT testing in Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Nashik.
What Does an NIPT Report Look Like?
An NIPT report is a screening report, not a diagnostic one. It gives you the probability or risk level of certain chromosomal conditions in your baby, based on the analysis of fetal cell-free DNA found in your blood.
Your NIPT report typically includes:
- Maternal information (name, gestational age)
- Fetal fraction (amount of fetal DNA in sample)
- Test methodology (e.g., NGS platform used)
- Results for:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
- (Optional) Sex chromosome aneuploidies
- (Optional) Microdeletions
- Interpretation of findings (e.g., “Low Risk” or “High Risk”)
- Final summary and genetic counselor’s note (if applicable)
What Do Common NIPT Results Mean?
1. Low Risk (Negative Result)
This means your baby is unlikely to have the chromosomal conditions screened for by the test.
What it means:
- Your test did not detect any major abnormalities
- No further testing is usually needed
- You can continue with routine prenatal care
2. High Risk (Positive Result)
This means there is a higher chance your baby may have one of the screened conditions.
What it means:
- It does not confirm the condition
- You’ll need diagnostic tests like amniocentesis or CVS for confirmation
- NM Medical can help coordinate next steps with your OB-GYN and a genetic counselor
3. Inconclusive or No Call
Sometimes the result may be inconclusive due to:
- Low fetal fraction (not enough fetal DNA)
- Sample quality issues
- Early gestation (<10 weeks)
What to do:
- Your doctor may advise repeat testing after 1–2 weeks
Key Terms in Your NIPT Report
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fetal Fraction | The percentage of fetal DNA in the mother’s blood (should be >4%) |
| Aneuploidy | Presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes |
| Trisomy | A condition where there are three copies of a chromosome instead of two |
| Z-score / Risk Score | A statistical score indicating how far the result is from the normal range |
| Low Risk / High Risk | Screening result interpretation, not diagnostic confirmation |
What If My NIPT is High Risk?
A high-risk NIPT result can be emotionally overwhelming, but it’s important to remember:
- NIPT is not 100% diagnostic
- It is possible to have false positives
- Follow-up with confirmatory diagnostic tests is essential
- Speak with a genetic counselor to understand the implications and options
Why Trust NM Medical with Your NIPT Journey?
- NABL-accredited diagnostics with reliable test panels
- India’s top genetic lab for accurate reporting
- Access to trained genetic counselors for support
- Home sample collection in Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune & Nashik
- Fast TAT: Reports available in 7–10 working days
Have Questions About Your NIPT Report?
Understanding your NIPT report doesn’t have to be confusing. At NM Medical, we help you at every step, from sample collection to result interpretation.
