What Is NIPT?
NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) is a blood test that can be done from about 10 weeks. It analyses your baby's DNA in your blood to screen for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome, with high accuracy. It is a screening test, so a positive result is usually confirmed with a diagnostic test.
What it screens for
Mainly Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and some other chromosomal conditions; it can often also indicate the baby's sex.
Screening vs diagnosis
NIPT is very accurate as a screen but not diagnostic. A high-risk result is confirmed with amniocentesis or CVS.
Frequently asked questions
When can I have NIPT?
From about 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Is NIPT a diagnosis?
No — it is a highly accurate screening test; positives are confirmed diagnostically.
Is NIPT safe?
Yes — it is a simple blood test with no risk to the pregnancy.
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