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Non-Invasive Testing in Bhubaneswar

Non-Invasive Testing

Non-Invasive Testing in Bhubaneswar

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) uses a pregnant person's blood to detect congenital DNA abnormalities in the foetus. This test analyzes DNA to assess the risk of genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. While NIPT cannot diagnose conditions, it provides your physician with the likelihood of a problem being present. The test can be performed starting around the tenth week of pregnancy. Non-Invasive Testing in bhubaneswar

The non-invasive testing in Bhubaneswar is a highly  accurate method for prenatal screening that assesses a foetus's risk of chromosomal abnormalities. This test can also potentially reveal the sex of the foetus. While NIPT indicates the likelihood of certain issues, it does not diagnose disorders. If the results suggest a higher risk, diagnostic testing may be recommended.

It is completely up to you whether or not to obtain a prenatal test, such as the NIPT, which is optional. Discuss your worries with a genetic counsellor or your healthcare practitioner. To ensure that you make an informed choice, make sure you comprehend what the test looks for and what the results signify.

FAQ's

Noninvasive prenatal testing is known as NIPT. This prenatal screening is intended to determine if the foetus is susceptible to chromosomal disorders such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), or trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). The test can also help identify the foetus's gender. The procedure involves drawing blood samples, which also include foetal DNA fragments. Healthcare professionals can learn more about a foetus's genetic composition by examining its DNA, which is the building block of all genes and chromosomes. Not every chromosomal or genetic disorder can be screened for by NIPT.

 

Another name for the NIPT test is noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) or cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening. It's critical to keep in mind that a screening test determines the foetus's probability of developing a certain ailment. It doesn't make medical diagnoses. Testing for the NIPT is optional. In addition to educating you about prenatal genetic testing, your healthcare practitioner will assist you in making an educated decision.

Not all chromosomal abnormalities or birth problems are tested for by NIPT. Most NIPT examinations look for:

  • Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
  • Trisomy 13 and 18

  • Diseases impacting the X and Y sex chromosomes

Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13 are all brought on by an extra chromosome. Testing for sex chromosomes can identify variations in the typical number of sex chromosomes as well as aid in predicting the sex of the foetus. Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Triple X syndrome, and XYY syndrome are the most prevalent sex chromosomal disorders. Not every NIPT panel assesses the same circumstances. It's critical to discuss the conditions your NIPT is screening for with your healthcare provider.

Your doctor draws blood from you for this test to check for any anomalies in the foetus's DNA. Your cells divide and produce new cells all the time. Tiny DNA fragments are discharged into the circulation during cell division. During pregnancy, a small quantity of the fetus's DNA is circulating in your blood. These foetal DNA fragments in your blood, sometimes referred to as cell-free DNA or cfDNA, are examined by the NIPT.

You supply a vein in your arm for your healthcare practitioner to draw blood from. This sample is sent to a lab for analysis in order to check for particular conditions.

Little DNA fragments that are circulating in the pregnant woman's blood are analysed using this testing technique. A mother's blood during pregnancy is made up of a combination of the placenta's cells and her own cell-free DNA (cfDNA). The tissue in the uterus that connects the foetus to the mother's blood supply is called the placenta. Unlike most DNA, which is located inside a cell's nucleus, cell-free DNA is a specific form of DNA that floats freely and is not contained within a cell. Throughout her pregnancy, a mother's blood frequently contains DNA that has not yet formed in her cells. The DNA in these placental cells is often the same as that of the foetus. Expecting mothers can discover early detection of specific genetic problems by examining this placenta's cell-free DNA sample.

Depending on the lab, the test is available at any time after 9 weeks of pregnancy, but typically only once, between 10 and 22 weeks. While all women can undergo the test, insurance coverage is more commonly provided for those who are 35 years of age or older or those at high risk of genetic abnormalities.

Your baby's risk of certain birth abnormalities is reduced if your NIPD is negative. Your doctor could advise additional testing if the results are positive. These could consist of amniocentesis, CVS, or ultrasounds.

The genetic problem you wish to identify will determine, in large part, how accurate NIPT is. The accuracy of the NIPT may potentially be impacted by additional small variables, such as:

  • Surrogacy 
  • Obesity 

  • Expecting several children

The likelihood of an NIPT yielding incorrect results is almost zero. It has a 99% accuracy rate for identifying Down syndrome and a mediocre accuracy rate for identifying trisomy 18 and 13.

Processing NIPT typically takes two weeks. After this time, you could receive the results. You may, however, receive the results of some tests earlier than two weeks. Your healthcare assistant will discuss the specifics with you after analysing the data.