Understanding the NIPT Test: A Complete Pregnancy Screening Guide

Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with anxiety, excitement and a million questions. As an expectant parent, you've probably asked yourself a thousand times: "Is my baby healthy?" That's a natural concern, and fortunately, modern science provides a powerful means to find answers early on. This is where Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing, or the NIPT test, comes in.¹ If you’re 10+ weeks pregnant, a simple discussion with your doctor can bring you peace of mind. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the NIPT test. This will help you feel confident and prepared for a healthier, happier pregnancy.

What Is An NIPT Test?

The NIPT test, also known as cell-free DNA screening, is a simple blood test that an expectant mum can take once she is more than 10 weeks pregnant. This test determines if the baby is at risk of having certain chromosomal conditions, like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), or Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).  ^{2, 3}

What makes this NIPT test essential is that it also looks at tiny fragments of your baby’s DNA that naturally circulate in your blood. By analysing these fragments, doctors can get important insights into your baby’s genetic health. Furthermore, in some cases, it can even predict the baby’s gender. It’s important to know that while NIPT is highly accurate, it doesn’t screen for every genetic or chromosomal condition. Your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your results and medical history. This test is entirely optional. However, most doctors advise their patients to have this test done as it helps in making informed choices about the baby’s health. 

Why Is The NIPT Test Important During Pregnancy?

The NIPT test is important for the following reasons: 

• Like we mentioned earlier, it helps determine the fetus’s risk of developing any chromosomal conditions. 
• It gives parents and doctors an early, safe, and reliable way to understand a baby’s genetic health. 
• By identifying potential concerns early, families have more time to prepare, seek guidance and act on time. 
• It also brings peace of mind to many parents, knowing that their baby is developing healthily.

When Is The Right Time To Take An NIPT Test?

The ideal time to get the NIPT test done is when an expectant mother is more than 10 weeks pregnant. This is because she doesn’t have enough DNA cells of her growing fetus inside the blood before 10 weeks of pregnancy. 

Who Should Consider An NIPT Test?

NIPT is usually offered from 10 weeks of pregnancy and is suitable for women carrying a single baby or twins. However, it isn’t recommended for pregnancies with three or more babies, or in twin pregnancies where one baby is suspected to have a complication. ^{4, 5}

How Is The NIPT Test Done?

The procedure for the NIPT test goes like this: 

• After 10 weeks of pregnancy, a small blood sample is collected from the mother.
• The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.
• The lab examines tiny DNA fragments from the placenta that are present in the mother’s blood.
• If there is more DNA than expected from specific chromosomes, it may point to a possible condition.
• Results are typically ready within approximately two weeks and are shared with the doctor.

NIPT Test Vs Other Prenatal Screening Tests

Traditional prenatal screening tests, like the double marker or triple marker test, mainly measure hormone levels in the mother’s blood. While they can give an idea about the baby’s health, they aren’t as accurate and often lead to false alarms.          

The NIPT test, on the other hand, looks directly at tiny fragments of the baby’s DNA present in the mother’s blood. This makes it far more accurate in identifying the risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. Another advantage? It’s completely safe for both mother and baby, unlike invasive diagnostic tests like amniocentesis. ^{6, 7, 8}

Preparing for Your NIPT Test

The good news is that you don’t need to do anything special before this test. It’s as simple as a routine blood test. You don’t have to fast, and you can continue your usual diet and medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor. The only thing to remember is that the test can be done once you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant, as that’s when enough fetal DNA is present in your bloodstream. 

Cost of the NIPT Test in India

In India, the cost of the NIPT test can vary depending on the lab, location, and the type of panel chosen. Advanced versions that screen for additional conditions may also influence the overall expense. The good news is that most health insurance plans cover the NIPT test — either fully or at least a significant portion of it. This makes the test more accessible for expecting parents, especially considering the accuracy and reassurance it provides.

Introducing LifeCell Diagnostics NIPT Test

LifeCell Diagnostics offers the “NIPT – All Chromosomes” test, a comprehensive panel that examines 26 parameters for potential chromosomal abnormalities. Backed by advanced technology and expert guidance, this test is designed to give parents highly accurate results in a safe and stress-free way. It screens for

• Common trisomies (Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome)
• Sex chromosome conditions
• Structural abnormalities and rare chromosomal issues across all chromosomes

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a journey filled with joy, hope, and sometimes anxiety. The NIPT test helps bring reassurance by giving you a clearer picture of your baby’s health early on. While it’s not a replacement for diagnostic tests, its accuracy and safety make it one of the most trusted screening tools today. If you’re 10 weeks or more into your pregnancy, talk to your doctor if NIPT is right for you.