Screening
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
NIPT is a blood test in pregnancy that analyses fragments of the baby’s DNA in the mother’s blood to assess the chance of certain chromosomal conditions.
Quick answer
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing: what it is and what the results mean
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) examines small pieces of the baby’s DNA that circulate in the pregnant person’s blood. It gives a more accurate estimate of the chance of conditions such as Down’s syndrome than earlier screening tests.
- Why it is done: It is offered as a more accurate screening test, often after a higher-chance result from combined screening, to assess the likelihood of Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards’ syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (trisomy 13).
- Understanding results: NIPT gives a chance (high or low), not a definite diagnosis.
What it is
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) examines small pieces of the baby’s DNA that circulate in the pregnant person’s blood. It gives a more accurate estimate of the chance of conditions such as Down’s syndrome than earlier screening tests.
Why it is done
It is offered as a more accurate screening test, often after a higher-chance result from combined screening, to assess the likelihood of Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards’ syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (trisomy 13).
What to expect
It is a simple blood test from the mother’s arm, usually from around 10 weeks of pregnancy. Results generally take one to two weeks and give a high or low chance for the conditions tested.
Understanding the results
NIPT gives a chance (high or low), not a definite diagnosis. A low-chance result is very reassuring, while a high-chance result is usually followed by a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis or CVS to confirm.
Good to know
Risks and limitations
The blood test carries no risk to the pregnancy, but it is a screening test, not a diagnostic one. It is very accurate for the conditions tested but can occasionally give unclear or incorrect results, so diagnosis needs confirmation.
Education and reference only. This explains the test in general terms and is not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from the team arranging your test, and discuss your results with your clinician.
Answers
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing: frequently asked questions
Is NIPT a diagnostic test?
No. It is a highly accurate screening test that estimates the chance of certain conditions. A high-chance result is confirmed with a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis or CVS.
Does NIPT harm the baby?
No. Because it only needs a blood sample from the mother, it carries no risk of miscarriage, unlike diagnostic tests that take a sample from the pregnancy.
Related tests
Other screening investigations
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Screening and pregnancy
- NICE — antenatal and screening guidance
- UK National Screening Committee
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