Non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)
The result of a non-invasive prenatal test indicates the risk of the most common chromosomal disorders as well as the sex of the fetus.
At Felicitas Mehiläinen, you have access to the NIPT screening of the expectant mother’s blood. Cell-free foetal DNA can be detected in the mother’s circulation. The result of the test indicates the risk of most common chromosomal disorders, trisomy and, if desired, the sex of the foetus, without the need for invasive sampling of the foetus. The test does not involve a risk of miscarriage.
You can book an appointment for NIPT screening by calling our customer service. If you wish, you can also leave us a contact request.
There are two types of NIPT screening tests available:
- The concise NIPT screening examines the most common chromosomal abnormalities, which, in addition to Down syndrome, include trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 and sex chromosome abnormalities.
- The more extensive NIPT screening examines the whole chromosome system of the foetus, including more minor changes within the chromosomes.
The test is always accompanied by an ultrasound examination performed by a perinatologist and an appointment.
NIPT screening reveals Down syndrome
The reliability of the NIPT study regarding Down syndrome is 99–100%. An abnormal NIPT result is confirmed by a placental or amniotic fluid sample. The test can be performed on the 10th week of pregnancy at the earliest.
As the NIPT test is performed by analysing the mother’s blood sample, it reduces the need for amniotic fluid and placental samples and the associated risk of miscarriage significantly. The test is also suitable as a more accurate and sensitive alternative to traditional screening or as an additional examination in the case of an abnormal screening or ultrasound examination result. A normal chromosome set does not guarantee the perfect health of the child, however. Expert advice before screening and chromosome examinations is very important.
Book an appointment for a NIPT test by calling a Felicitas Mehiläinen clinic. You can also leave us a contact request.
