NIPT
NIPT, or Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing, is a blood test done from 10 weeks of pregnancy that analyses small fragments of placental DNA circulating in your blood. It screens for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), and can also detect sex chromosome differences. NIPT is highly accurate as a screening tool, with detection rates above 99% for Down syndrome. However, it is not a diagnostic test. A high-risk result means you will be offered a confirmatory test such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling before any decisions are made.
What This Means for You
Understanding NIPT is an important part of your 10+ weeks journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
Explore our Pregnancy hubGood to Know
NIPT is available at KKH, NUH, and private centres in Singapore, typically costing between SGD 800 and SGD 1,500 out of pocket. It is a screening test, not a diagnosis, so a positive result always requires follow-up with a specialist.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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