Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test
About Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NIPS (Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening), cfDNA test, Cell-free DNA test, Cell-free Foetal DNA Test, Prenatal Cell-free DNA Screening |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (maternal) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 to 14 days |
| Recommended For | Pregnant women from 10 weeks of gestation onwards |
| Price | Starting at ₹9,990 |
What Is a Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test?
The NIPT test is a prenatal screening that analyses small fragments of DNA circulating in a pregnant woman's blood. These fragments, known as cell-free DNA (cfDNA), originate partly from the placenta and carry genetic information about the developing foetus.
The test helps assess the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions before birth. It is also called the non-invasive prenatal screening test, NIPS, or cell-free DNA screening.
What Does a Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test Measure?
The NIPT screening test examines cfDNA fragments present in maternal blood to evaluate chromosomal patterns in the foetus. The table below outlines the key elements the test assesses.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Cell-free foetal DNA (cfDNA) | Tiny DNA fragments from placental cells that reflect the foetal chromosomal makeup |
| Foetal fraction | The proportion of cfDNA in maternal blood that comes from the placenta; must be above 4% for reliable results |
| Trisomy 21 screening | Assesses risk of Down syndrome |
| Trisomy 18 screening | Assesses risk of Edwards syndrome |
| Trisomy 13 screening | Assesses risk of Patau syndrome |
| Sex chromosome analysis | Screens for conditions such as Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Triple X syndrome, and XYY syndrome |
| Microdeletions and duplications | Advanced panels may check for missing or extra sections of chromosomes |
Why Is a Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test Done?
The non-invasive prenatal test is ordered when a doctor or patient wants to learn more about the chromosomal health of the developing foetus. Several clinical situations and patient backgrounds can make this test relevant.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Doctors may recommend an NIPT test based on clinical findings or personal history. The following are common reasons it is ordered:
- Advanced maternal age, typically 35 years or older
- Abnormal result from an earlier first trimester screening or blood test
- Ultrasound findings suggesting a possible chromosomal issue
- A previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal abnormality
- A known family history of genetic conditions
- Personal preference or anxiety about chromosomal health, even in low-risk pregnancies
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The non-invasive prenatal test screens for a range of chromosomal conditions. These include:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
- Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome
- Triple X syndrome and XYY syndrome
- Additional chromosomal deletions or duplications (in advanced panels)
Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test During Pregnancy
The NIPT test is a routine prenatal screening offered to all pregnant women, regardless of age or risk level. It can be performed from 10 weeks of gestation onwards, when the foetal fraction in maternal blood is typically sufficient for accurate analysis. The test screens for chromosomal conditions in the foetus without any risk to the pregnancy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the NIPT screening test is straightforward, and no special steps are needed beforehand. Here is what you should know.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before an NIPT test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your blood collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure your test goes smoothly:
- Confirm your gestational age with an ultrasound before booking, as the test is most reliable from 10 weeks onwards
- Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, particularly blood thinners such as low-molecular-weight heparin
- Carry your ultrasound report to your appointment or home collection visit
- Stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Your gestational age is confirmed at 10 weeks or more, ideally verified by ultrasound.
- A trained phlebotomist cleans a small area on your arm and inserts a fine needle into a vein.
- A small amount of blood is drawn into special collection tubes designed to preserve cfDNA.
- The needle is removed, and a small dressing is applied. The process takes under five minutes.
- The sample is labelled and dispatched to the laboratory under controlled conditions.
- The laboratory analyses the cfDNA using next-generation sequencing, and results are ready within 7 to 14 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Testing before 10 weeks of gestation, when foetal fraction may be too low
- High maternal BMI, which can dilute foetal cfDNA in the blood
- Use of blood-thinning medications such as low-molecular-weight heparin
- Multiple gestation pregnancies (twins or more)
- Certain chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus, which can lower foetal fraction
- Confined placental mosaicism (a condition where placental and foetal cells carry different chromosomes)
Understanding Your Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test Results
Results from a non-invasive prenatal screening test are reported as low risk, high risk, or inconclusive. Unlike routine blood tests, there are no numerical values. Instead, the laboratory compares the proportion of cfDNA from each chromosome against expected patterns.
| Result Category | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Low Risk / Negative | cfDNA proportions are as expected; decreased likelihood of the screened conditions |
| High Risk / Positive | cfDNA from a specific chromosome is higher than expected; increased likelihood of trisomy or chromosomal abnormality; confirmatory testing is recommended |
| Inconclusive / No Result | Foetal fraction was below 4%; insufficient cfDNA for analysis; a repeat blood draw may be needed |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your gestational age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can influence your NIPT test results. Your doctor will take these into account when reviewing the report.
Higher maternal BMI is associated with a lower foetal fraction, as increased blood volume and fat cell turnover dilute the foetal cfDNA. Use of blood-thinning medications, particularly low-molecular-weight heparin, has been linked to lower foetal fractions and occasional test failures. Pregnancies affected by trisomies 13 or 18, or monosomy X, may also show reduced foetal fraction levels. Maternal chromosomal abnormalities or, rarely, maternal cancer can interfere with results and produce misleading findings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While chromosomal outcomes cannot be changed by lifestyle, these steps support a healthy pregnancy and informed decision-making:
- Attend regular antenatal check-ups and follow your doctor's schedule for ultrasound scans
- Discuss all prenatal screening options, including the cell-free DNA test, with your doctor or a genetic counsellor
- If your result is high risk, ask your doctor about diagnostic options such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling for confirmation
Lupin Diagnostics Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test Price and Home Collection
The NIPT test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹9,990 for the basic panel, with home sample collection available across major cities. Final pricing may vary depending on the panel type and location:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹9,990 |
| Bangalore | ₹9,990 |
| Kolkata | ₹9,990 |
| Indore | ₹9,990 |
| Pune | ₹9,990 |
| Chennai | ₹9,990 |
| Bhopal | ₹9,990 |
| Hyderabad | ₹9,990 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Searching for an NIPT test near me? Booking through Lupin Diagnostics is quick and easy:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred time slot
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the non-invasive prenatal test across multiple cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced staff. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NIPT test analyses tiny fragments of cell-free DNA circulating in a pregnant woman's blood. A portion of this DNA comes from the placenta and reflects the chromosomal makeup of the foetus. By examining how much DNA comes from each chromosome, the test estimates the risk of conditions such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.
The non-invasive prenatal test can be performed from 10 weeks of gestation onwards. Before this point, the foetal fraction in maternal blood is usually too low to produce a reliable result. The test can be taken at any point after 10 weeks, though earlier testing allows more time for follow-up if needed.
No. The NIPT screening test is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A high-risk result means there is an increased likelihood of a chromosomal condition, not a confirmed diagnosis. If your result is high risk, your doctor will recommend confirmatory diagnostic testing, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
Published data shows that the cfDNA test detects trisomy 21 with a sensitivity of over 99%. Accuracy is slightly lower for trisomy 13 and trisomy 18. However, false positive and false negative results are possible, which is why confirmatory testing is important for any high-risk result.
An inconclusive result usually means the foetal fraction in the blood sample was below 2%-4%, which is the minimum needed for reliable analysis. This can happen if the test is done too early, or due to high maternal BMI or certain medications. In most cases, a repeat blood draw after one to two weeks resolves the issue.
Yes. The NIPT test requires only a routine blood draw from the mother and carries no risk to the foetus. Unlike amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, it does not involve any needle entry into the uterus and is not associated with any risk of miscarriage.
A high-risk result should be discussed with your doctor or a genetic counsellor promptly. Your doctor will explain what the result means in the context of your pregnancy and may recommend confirmatory diagnostic testing. A high-risk result is not a diagnosis, and many pregnancies with high-risk screens are ultimately unaffected.
Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Test
