NIPT Test: The Complete Guide for Expectant Parents in India
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Geetanjali Gupta
Written By Sheena Mehta
on May 12, 2026
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on May 12, 2026
Being pregnant is an exciting experience for most women, but you might also have some concerns. One of the most frequent concerns that expectant mothers have is: "Is everything okay with my baby's health? Is he developing normally?"
Modern medicine allows early screening for certain chromosomal conditions during pregnancy through non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). You can get the information about genetic abnormalities without exposing yourself or your fetus to the risk associated with amniocentesis.
Below you will find all the necessary information about non-invasive prenatal testing, its procedure, purpose, benefits, disadvantages, costs, and results.
What Is the NIPT Test?
NIPT involves testing of cfDNA, which refers to small DNA fragments that get into the mother's blood from the placenta during the period of pregnancy. The DNA is analyzed to screen for specific chromosomal abnormalities caused by extra or missing chromosomes in the baby.
Some of the most common disorders detected through NIPT include:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
- Sex chromosome disorders (sometimes)
NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test; if it indicates an increased risk of the above disorders, your healthcare provider might recommend further diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis.
Also read:
Purpose: What Does the NIPT Test Screen For?
Mainly, Noninvasive Prenatal Testing is used to screen for certain chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn child. By performing this procedure, you will know whether there is a possibility that the child would be born with a certain excess or absence of chromosomes, which might affect the child's life.
The test usually screens for:
- Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21): It results from the presence of one extra chromosome 21 and may lead to intellectual disabilities and developmental delays.
- Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18): a serious condition resulting from the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 18.
- Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13): This is a rare genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13.
- Abnormal Sex Chromosomes: In some cases, this procedure might be performed to check for some abnormalities involving the sex chromosomes.
- Microdeletion Syndromes (In Advanced Panels): Certain expanded tests may screen for rare missing segments of chromosomes, though accuracy may vary.
Why this matters
This test makes it easy for both the doctor and the patient to know what to do next. Abnormal results typically require confirmation through diagnostic tests like amniocentesis or CVS.
What Does the NIPT Test Not Detect?
It is just as crucial to understand the test's limitations. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) does not detect:
- Gene-specific diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington's disease.
- Neural tube anomalies, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These will require a different AFP blood test and ultrasound.
- Structural problems like heart problems, cleft palate, and limb malformations (require an anatomy ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks).
- Not a test for all Chromosomal abnormalities; it only tests for the specific chromosomal conditions listed on your test panel and can miss some rare chromosomal abnormalities.
- Pregnancy complications such as preterm birth risk, gestational diabetes, or miscarriage risk.
- May be less accurate: The test may be less accurate in certain situations, including twin pregnancies and recent transplant/transfusion.
A normal NIPT result does not guarantee a completely healthy baby. It only means that the tested conditions appear to be low risk.
How Does the NIPT Test Work?
During pregnancy, small fragments of the placenta's DNA, called cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA), can be found in the mother's bloodstream. Since the placenta's DNA is very similar to the baby's, it is possible to use placental DNA to screen for some chromosomal disorders.
Here is how the process works:
- Blood sample collection: Your healthcare provider will collect your blood sample, usually after 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- Extraction of DNA: The laboratory technician will separate and analyze the cell-free fetal DNA found in the mother's blood.
- Testing for abnormalities: Advanced genetic testing determines whether there are excess or missing numbers of certain chromosomes, which are associated with diseases such as Down, Edward, and Patau syndromes.
- Result delivery: Results are delivered within a specified time.
If your results reveal that you are at high risk of having a chromosomal condition, your doctor may recommend other diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
How Accurate Is NIPT?"
NIPT accuracy depends on having enough fetal DNA in the mother's blood. Laboratories usually need at least a 4% fetal fraction to conduct a test. The low fetal fraction due to early NIPT testing, high BMI of the mother, and pregnancy-related reasons may lead to a "no call" or inconclusive situation.
Benefits of the NIPT Test
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) helps determine whether a pregnancy has an increased risk of specific chromosomal abnormalities. It allows early detection of potential genetic disorders without resorting to invasive techniques that may pose risks.
The following factors might encourage doctors to consider conducting NIPT in some cases:
- Early screening for prevalent chromosomal disorders: It screens for the likelihood of genetic disorders such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).
- Improved prenatal screening outcomes: Compared with typical first-trimester screening, NIPT typically yields better results for common chromosomal anomalies.
- Minimizes unnecessary invasive interventions: With a low-risk diagnosis, one does not need to undergo invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which carry a small risk of complications.
- Better prenatal planning: If a risk is detected, parents and clinicians can plan for any necessary diagnostic tests, specialist care, and other pregnancy-related considerations.
- Informed prenatal care decisions: It provides pregnant women and their families with more insight into their pregnancy and how to handle it in the future.
Since NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test, abnormal results typically require confirmation through additional testing.
Who Is Recommended for NIPT?
While initially introduced for high-risk pregnancies, NIPT is now considered to be suitable for all pregnant women. However, in India, the following categories of women are considered eligible for NIPT:
Women who are older than 35 years of age (Advanced Maternal Age) are at increased risk of chromosomal conditions
- Women who previously had a child with a chromosomal disorder
- Women with a family history of chromosomal or genetic problems
- Women who have a history of an abnormal first trimester ultrasound or blood test results
- Women with recurrent pregnancy loss may also be suggested
- Pregnancies conceived through IVF
- Women who want additional reassurance through prenatal chromosomal screening should discuss it with their doctor.
Note: According to the PCPNDT Act in India, the test does not determine the sex of the baby, and labs also do not disclose fetal sex. NIPT should be used strictly for medical screening purposes.
Normal and Abnormal Results for the NIPT Test
Typically, NIPT results are ready within 7-14 days. They include the following information:
1. Low Risk/Negative Test Result
The low-risk test result means that the NIPT did not identify any significant risk of the chromosomal abnormalities included in the screening list (Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, trisomy 13).
The probability of having those chromosomal abnormalities is significantly reduced, though there is no guarantee it won't happen. The reason is that NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test; thus, some chromosomal abnormalities may not be detected.
2. High Risk/Positive Test Result
The high-risk test result indicates an increased risk that the fetus has any chromosomal abnormalities.
The high-risk test result does not confirm a diagnosis. It is highly recommended to conduct additional diagnostic procedures (e.g., amniocentesis, CVS) before making further medical decisions.
3. No Result/Inconclusive Test Result
Sometimes, the laboratory may be unable to generate a result. This may happen due to:
- Low fetal DNA fraction in maternal blood;
- Testing at the very beginning of the pregnancy period;
- Poor sample quality
- Certain maternal health factors
Consequently, the doctor may recommend repeating the test or considering alternative diagnostic options.
Also read:
False Positives and False Negatives
While the Noninvasive Prenatal Test is extremely accurate, it is only a screening test so errors can occur.
False Positive
The false-positive error occurs when the test shows a high-risk prediction, yet the fetus is healthy. The reasons for this outcome include:
- Confined placental mosaicism (when the placenta and not the baby carries chromosomal abnormalities)
- Vanishing twin syndrome
- Specific chromosomal abnormalities in the mother
False Negative
A false negative refers to the situation when the test predicts low risk; however, the fetus has a chromosomal abnormality. The potential causes of this type of error include low fetal DNA concentration.
Regular ultrasound examinations and prenatal checks remain essential even after receiving a low-risk prediction.
When Should the NIPT Test Be Done in Pregnancy?
The NIPT test can normally be performed starting at 10 weeks of pregnancy, when there is already enough fetal DNA in the maternal bloodstream.
- Earliest possible time frame to perform test: 10 weeks
- Common testing window: 10 to 14 weeks
- Testing can still be done later, if your doctor advises.
How to Prepare for the NIPT Test
The Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) does not require any special preparation and is done through a simple blood sample.
- Fasting is not required so you can eat or drink normally before the test.
- There are no special dietary restrictions.
- The process is quite simple. The technician/phlebotomist will draw blood from a vein in your arm, and the sample will be sent to the lab for analysis.
- Inform your doctor or lab if you recently had a blood transfusion, stem cell transplant, or organ transplant, as this may affect results.
- Always share your relevant pregnancy details, such as a pregnancy achieved through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or a twin pregnancy, if applicable.
- Always seek genetic counseling to clarify what you should expect from the test.
Note: Always follow your doctor's advice regarding the right time for testing and next steps based on your results.
NIPT Test Cost in India
The NIPT test price in India has dropped significantly over the last 10 years because many labs now perform the tests domestically rather than sending samples overseas.
The Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) in India typically costs between ₹10,000 and ₹30,000, depending on the lab, city, technology, and services.
Book Your NIPT Test at Redcliffe Labs
Are you looking for a trustworthy NIPT test center in India? Look no further: Redcliffe Labs offers convenient prenatal screening tests with home sample collection.
With every test at Redcliffe Labs, customers also get 4X Value Benefits:
- Smart Reports with Health Trends & Actionable Insights
- Expert Assistance with Your Report Consultation
- AI Health Assistant for Everyday Health Guidance
- Goal-Based Personalized Improvement Plans
You can book the NIPT Test at ₹12,999 through Redcliffe Labs website or app, or call customer care at 898 898 87 87. Always consult a gynecologist before booking the test to understand whether it is appropriate for your pregnancy.
Conclusion
NIPT is an accurate and sophisticated test used during the pregnancy period for assessing the possibility of having chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. It is a relatively safe procedure performed on a blood sample collected from pregnant women with minimal physical risk to their health or that of the fetus. Remember that the NIPT test is only a screening test, not a diagnosis, so be sure to consult your physician to determine what to do next.
FAQs
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Is NIPT a gender test?
While NIPT can detect the presence of sex chromosomes, thus potentially identifying the biological sex of the baby, such information cannot be disclosed in India due to the PCPNDT Act. The NIPT test is performed strictly for screening genetic abnormalities in pregnancy.
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Can I book an NIPT test near me?
An NIPT test is widely available in major Indian cities at diagnostic centers and hospitals. Many companies offer blood sampling at your doorstep, with a trained professional visiting you to collect the sample. You can arrange the NIPT test online, by phone, or as advised by your doctor.
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What is the price of the NIPT test in India?
The NIPT test in India costs between ₹10,000 and ₹30,000, depending on the city, laboratory, and package you choose. Basic packages are cheaper, whereas advanced packages that screen for other chromosomal anomalies may be more costly.
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Is the NIPT test safe for my baby?
NIPT is widely regarded as one of the safest tests because it requires only a blood draw from the mother and is noninvasive. Hence, unlike other invasive tests such as CVS or amniocentesis, it poses no threat of miscarriage due to needles inserted into the womb.
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How soon will I get my NIPT test results?
The turnaround time for most laboratories offering NIPT services is about 7-14 days. The period may vary depending on the laboratory and your geographical location. At Redcliffe Labs, the NIPT test results are available in 10 days.
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Are there any risks to the NIPT test?
Since NIPT is just a blood draw from the mother, the procedure is pretty safe. However, you might experience mild pain from the needle pricks, but there is no chance of miscarriage due to NIPT. Also, because it is a screening procedure, its inaccuracies might lead to additional tests.
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Can the NIPT test be done in 14 weeks?
Yes, 14 weeks is a suitable time to conduct the NIPT. This test can be conducted after 10 weeks of gestation, when there is enough fetal DNA in the mother's bloodstream. There will still be sufficient time after 14 weeks to consult further if required.
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What happens if my NIPT result is high risk?
A high-risk test result does not necessarily imply that the baby is having a chromosomal disorder. Further tests, such as amniocentesis or CVS, may be needed to confirm the finding, and your doctor may also recommend genetic counseling.
