NIPT Test - Price, Purpose, Reports, Benefits, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to Non-invasive Prenatal Testing 

The NIPT test, or Non-invasive Prenatal Testing, is offered during pregnancy to screen for the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. The test works by analyzing cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) fragments present in the pregnant person's blood. These fragments originate from the placenta and provide information about the fetus's genetic makeup. This is a non-invasive test that doesn't involve inserting needles into the uterus.

This makes it a safer option for both the mother and the baby. The test is recommended as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy, offering earlier insight into potential risks compared to traditional screening tests conducted later in the pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend the test to know the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in babies, like those over 35 years old, with a family history of such conditions, or with abnormal results from earlier screening tests. You can book your NIPT test with Redcliffe Labs for reliable and accurate results. The professional ensures to provide the test reports on time. Also, we ensure to offer you the best diagnostic services at affordable prices. 

Test details in brief

Purpose of the NIPT test

The primary purpose of the NIPT blood test is to screen for the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in a developing fetus. These abnormalities can lead to conditions like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. Here is the purpose of the NIPT test-

• Early detection of disorders- The NIPT test helps detect early pregnancy complications and risks. This gives parents and healthcare providers more time to make informed decisions about their pregnancy care.
• Reduced risk of invasive procedures- Noninvasive prenatal testing eliminates the risks associated with invasive prenatal tests like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). 
• Improved accuracy- The NIPT test has high accuracy rates, particularly for Down syndrome, often exceeding 99%. This provides valuable information for making informed decisions about further testing or pregnancy management.

Benefits of taking the NIPT Test

The non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) is used to detect the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus in the mother's blood. Here are the benefits of taking the NIPT test-

• High Accuracy and Early Detection: The NIPT test has the highest accuracy rate for detecting common chromosomal abnormalities, such as Edwards syndrome, Down syndrome, and Patau syndrome. The test is recommended to be done as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy.
• Completely Safe and Non-Invasive: The NIPT test is risk-free for both the mother and the baby. It requires only a simple blood sample from the mother to avoid the risk of miscarriage or complications.
• Suitable for All Pregnancies: NIPT is recommended for all pregnant women, including- 
• Advanced maternal age (35 years and older)
• Previous chromosomal abnormalities
• Abnormal ultrasound findings

What does the NIPT test detect?

The test detects the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. These abnormalities occur when there are extra or missing copies of certain chromosomes, leading to conditions like:

• Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
• Turner Syndrome

The test also can reveal the sex of the baby, although this is not the primary purpose of the test. Sometimes, the test might detect anomalies involving other chromosomes beyond the most common ones targeted. However, the accuracy for these less common conditions may vary. If the NIPT results show an increased risk, further diagnostic tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) might be recommended for confirmation.

Preparation for the NIPT test

The NIPT test does not require any special preparation before the test. It's a simple blood draw similar to any other blood test you might experience during your pregnancy. However, there are a few things you can do to make the overall experience smoother:

• Fasting- You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Discuss concerns- Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have about the test, its purpose, or the results.
• Consider genetic counseling- If you have a family history of genetic conditions or personal concerns, consulting a genetic counselor can provide valuable information and support before and after the test.

The procedure of the NIPT test

Your healthcare provider will collect the blood from the vein of your arm. He will first sterilize the arm area with an alcohol-based antiseptic solution. The phlebotomist will insert a needle into the vein and gently draw a small amount of blood into a vial. You might feel a slight pinch or pain during the procedure. After sample collection, the phlebotomist will put a cotton gauze on the puncture site. The collected blood sample will be labeled and transported to a collection center for testing. The blood draw usually takes only a few minutes. 

What do the NIPT test reports indicate?

The test results will be available within 10 days of sample collection. NIPT analyzes each chromosome for potential abnormalities. 

NIPT Test Result- Each chromosome will have a risk assessment indicated as "low risk" or "high risk." Low risk typically means a greater than 99% chance of the chromosome number being normal, while high risk indicates a higher chance of an abnormality. Based on the chromosome results, the report will summarize the risk for common chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. Depending on the test results, the doctor might recommend further testing like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for confirmation or genetic counseling for support and interpretation.

Who should take the NIPT test?

The NIPT test is very sensitive. It detects 99% of cases of Down syndrome. However, some women must take this test.

• Pregnant women older than 35 years
• Personal or family history:
• Abnormal ultrasound findings 
• Multiple gestations

Even without traditional high-risk factors, some pregnant women might take NIPT due to personal anxieties. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and limitations of NIPT. 

NIPT Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The test price of the NIPT test at Redcliffe Labs is INR 12999. We offer a wide range of diagnostic tests at competitive prices. You can also avail many discounts and offers on different packages. We give you a convenient home sample collection, saving you the hassle of visiting a lab. Our labs are NABL accredited, signifying adherence to quality standards and laboratory practices. The test results will be provided on time, and you can also avail of other prenatal tests and diagnostic services with the NIPT test.

Get access to your reports online and get free consultations. Book your NIPT test today!

NIPT- All Chromosome Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer NIPT- All Chromosome Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Conclusion

NIPT blood test can screen for certain genetic abnormalities in a developing fetus. It is a relatively new and increasingly popular option for pregnant women, as it is non-invasive and highly accurate. NIPT analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in a pregnant woman's blood. This cfDNA comes from both the mother and the fetus. By analyzing the fetal cfDNA, NIPT can look for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. Its high accuracy, early availability, and safety profile make it a useful test for pregnant women. While not a diagnostic tool, its positive results can guide further testing for definitive diagnosis.