Non invasive prenatal screening test, or more commonly known as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), is a blood test done to assess the risks of certain genetic abnormalities in a foetus. The “non invasive test meaning” is that the process does not require surgery or there is no piercing of the body.
Scroll down to find out why many expecting mothers are choosing to do noninvasive prenatal testing and what are its benefits.
What Is Non Invasive Prenatal Screening Testing?
Noninvasive prenatal testing is a blood test that can be done after 10 weeks of pregnancy to check the health status of the foetus. It is basically the examination of the baby’s DNA that is circulating in the mother’s blood.
It is done to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus that can lead to health conditions like:
- Down syndrome
- Edwards syndrome
- Patau syndrome
- Other possibilities of physio-physiological health issues
NIPT can also help identify the sex of the foetus.
Note: It is illegal in India to determine the sex of foetus with under the Prohibition of Sex Selection Act. So, in India, you can use this test to assess the health of the foetus but not the sex.
How Does It Work?
As per the NCBI study, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a pretty simple and safe screening process. Read the steps below to understand how it works:
1. Taking Mother’s Blood Sample
The doctor takes a small blood sample of the pregnant women, ideally after 10 weeks of pregnancy.
2. DNA Extraction
The blood contains the baby’s DNA, which is extracted and sent for lab tests.
3. Laboratory Analysis
The DNA is analysed to look for any chromosomal abnormalities that may pose health risks for the foetus. These risks are:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) –This can develop mild to moderate intellectual disability in the child.
- Trisomy 18 – This can lead to slow growth (developmental delay), often life-threatening. Children with this chromosomal abnormality rarely live past their first year of life.
- Trisomy 13 – It delays cognitive and physical development in foetus and infant, leading to stillbirth. Some may survive childhood and live beyond.
- Sex chromosome conditions – These include heart defects, learning disabilities, growth, and behavioural problems in this child.
The reports of the non invasive prenatal screening test can be received in 7 to 10 days and helps rule out the above-mentioned risks.
Key Benefits of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
Once the results of the non invasive prenatal screening test are out, the doctor will have a follow-up session laying out possible ways to approach the pregnancy. Here are the benefits of non invasive prenatal DNA testing:
- Ensures safety of both the baby and mother and doesn’t cause them much stress during the sample collection. Best for those who don’t want surgery.
- Helps with the early detection of many health risks that can affect the foetal growth and development.
- It’s highly accurate and can detect conditions like Down syndrome with high accuracy.
- Prepares parents emotionally about the baby’s health possibilities and helps them make informed decisions.
- Helps with non invasive prenatal paternity tests to confirm paternity without risking the health of the foetus.
- Provides options of safe pregnancy termination, considering the factors like baby’s health and quality of life.
Non Invasive Prenatal Testing Cost in India
In India, the cost of this test ranges from ₹11,000 to ₹40,000 or more depending on the test’s scope, hospital, and counselling costs.
Make sure to consult your doctor about the test details before opting for a non invasive prenatal screening test. They can help you decide if the test is necessary, which package is right for you, and how to interpret the results accurately.
Read More: Chemical Pregnancy: Understanding Early Loss and Finding Hope
The Final Word
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is safe for expecting parents. It offers an accurate and early way to screen for potential genetic conditions in their baby. The insights from the non invasive genetic testing can guide further medical decisions and planning during pregnancy.
It’s important to consult your doctor to understand if this test is right for you, especially if you’re concerned about cost, family history, or results interpretation.
