Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a screening method used during pregnancy to determine the likelihood that a fetus has specific genetic disorders.
What type of test is NIPT?
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) is a non-invasive prenatal screening method that analyzes small fragments of DNA circulating in a pregnant woman’s blood.
Unlike most DNA, which is contained within cells, the DNA analyzed in NIPT consists of free-floating fragments outside of cells, commonly referred to as cfDNA (circulating free DNA).
During pregnancy, a mother’s blood contains a mixture of cfDNA originating from both her own cells and placental cells. The placenta’s DNA is usually identical to that of the fetus, which allows NIPT to detect certain genetic abnormalities early in pregnancy. It can also determine the sex of the baby—without posing any risk to either the mother or the fetus.
What syndromes can NIPT detect?
NIPT is commonly used to screen for chromosomal disorders caused by an extra or missing copy of a chromosome. It is primarily used to detect chromosomal syndromes and to screen for genetic conditions caused by changes (variants) in single genes. These include:
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) – caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Trisomy 18 – caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18.
Trisomy 13 – caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13.
Abnormal number of sex chromosomes (X and Y) – such as having an extra or missing X or Y chromosome.
NIPT has an accuracy of up to 99.98%
Compared to the Double Test and Triple Test, NIPT offers a significantly higher accuracy—up to 99.98%. However, it is important to note that NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic one. This means it cannot provide a definitive answer as to whether the fetus has a genetic disorder. NIPT only estimates the risk of certain chromosomal conditions being present or absent.
Because NIPT analyzes cfDNA from both the fetus and the mother, there is a possibility of false-positive or false-negative results in some cases. For accurate detection of chromosomal abnormalities, a sufficient amount of fetal cfDNA in the mother’s bloodstream is required.
Therefore, NIPT is usually performed from the 10th week of pregnancy, when the fetal fraction of cfDNA typically reaches at least 4%. A low fetal fraction may result in a test failure or a false-negative outcome.
Who is NIPT recommended for?
Although NIPT is not a mandatory prenatal screening test, it is often recommended by doctors due to its high safety and accuracy. In particular, the following groups of pregnant women are strongly advised to consider NIPT for fetal anomaly screening:
Advanced maternal age (35 years or older): The risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases with maternal age.
High-risk results from initial screenings: Pregnant women who show signs of fetal abnormalities through ultrasound or previous tests.
Family history of genetic disorders: Especially those related to chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome.
History of miscarriage, preterm birth, or giving birth to a child with birth defects: Especially when the causes were unknown.
Pregnancy via assisted reproductive technology (ART) or multiple pregnancy: Such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or carrying twins or more.
NIPT at Hong Ngoc General Hospital: Non-invasive; Fast results; Consultation with leading doctors and genetic specialists.
In Hanoi, Hong Ngoc General Hospital is a leading center offering non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT), trusted and highly regarded by many expectant mothers._1.png)
When undergoing testing at Hong Ngoc General Hospital, expectant mothers will receive accurate prenatal screening results, with direct consultation from doctors and genetic specialists. The analysis is performed using advanced, state-of-the-art equipment.
In addition, having NIPT at Hong Ngoc means mothers can enjoy attentive and dedicated care within an internationally accredited medical environment.
Besides NIPT, Hong Ngoc General Hospital also offers other prenatal screening tests as part of comprehensive maternity care packages, providing expectant mothers with greater peace of mind in caring for their own health and that of their babies.
Register for NIPT at Hong Ngoc General Hospital here:
The information provided in the above article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
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