![]() |
Information for Health Professionals |
During pregnancy, maternal plasma contains DNA from both the fetus and mother. Although only about 10% of this extracellular (cell-free) DNA is fetal, recently developed DNA sequencing methods can quantitate fetal chromosome 21 DNA so precisely that the slight increase when the fetus has Down syndrome can be detected. The same principle permits detection of trisomy 18, trisomy 13, and certain sex chromosome abnormalities.Is this considered a diagnostic test?
Not quite. While the sensitivity of this test in a high risk individual may be as high as 99% and is highly specific, prenatal chromosome testing, either by amniotic fluid chromosome analysis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) remains the gold standard. However, the test has a high negative predictive value. Hence, a negative NIPT result can be highly reassuring, particularly for women who wish to avoid invasive prenatal diagnosis.When should NIPT be considered?
Presently, NIPT is limited to singleton pregnancies at increased risk for aneuploidy:What are some other considerations of NIPT?
- Positive first trimester, second trimester, integrated, or sequential screening
- Sonographic markers suggestive of aneuploidy
- Advanced maternal age
- A previous pregnancy with aneuploidy
- When either parent carries a chromosome translocation conferring increased risk for aneuploidy
Until more extensive testing on low risk individuals has been completed, NIPT is at present best reserved for patients at high risk for Down syndrome or trisomy 18. NIPT has the potential to eventually replace current aneuploidy screening, resulting in increased detection and far fewer invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures.
Services | Insurance | Directions | Glossary | Genetics links | Topics of Interest | Our Staff | Pictures | Contact us | Home