What is NIPT?

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) analyses small fragments of the baby's DNA that naturally circulate in the mother's bloodstream during pregnancy. From a simple blood draw, the lab can screen for the most common chromosomal conditions with very high accuracy — without any risk to the pregnancy.

What does NIPT screen for?

  • Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
  • Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
  • Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
  • Certain sex chromosome variations

NIPT has a detection rate above 99% for Down syndrome, with a very low false-positive rate — considerably more accurate than first-trimester combined screening alone.

Who is NIPT recommended for?

NIPT can be considered by any pregnant woman, and is often specifically discussed for:

  • Women with a higher-risk result on NT scan or first-trimester combined screening
  • Women over 35, where chromosomal risk is naturally higher
  • Anyone who wants this additional layer of screening, regardless of risk level

How is it done at Cura Imaging & Gastro Clinic?

Dr. Chandak discusses whether NIPT is appropriate for your pregnancy, taking your scan findings and personal history into account. A blood sample is drawn and sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. Once results are back, Dr. Chandak interprets them alongside your ultrasound findings and explains what they mean for your specific pregnancy.

An important distinction: screening, not diagnosis

NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic one A high-risk NIPT result does not confirm a chromosomal condition — it means the chance is higher, and a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis or CVS is needed to confirm it. Most women with a high-risk NIPT result who go on to have a diagnostic test receive a normal result.

Frequently asked questions

No. NIPT is a screening test using a blood sample, with no risk to the pregnancy. Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure that gives a definitive answer, but carries a small procedural risk. A positive NIPT result is usually followed by a diagnostic test to confirm it.

NIPT detects over 99% of Down syndrome cases, with a very low false-positive rate — significantly more sensitive than first-trimester combined screening alone.

It can be done from 10 weeks of pregnancy onward.

Completely. It only requires a blood sample from you — there is no procedure performed on the baby or the pregnancy, so there is no associated risk.