NIPT Basic in Thiruvananthapuram

What Is NIPT Basic?

NIPT Basic is a non-invasive prenatal blood test that analyzes cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) present in the mother's blood to screen for the most common chromosomal aneuploidies in the baby. This panel screens for Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), and sex chromosome aneuploidies.

The test can be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy onward and requires only a maternal blood sample, making it a safe prenatal screening option with no procedure-related risk to the baby. NIPT Basic offers high accuracy for detecting common chromosomal aneuploidies while reducing the need for unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.

What Does NIPT Basic Screen For?

This test screens for:

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
• Sex chromosome aneuploidies

Why Is This Test Recommended?

You may need this test to:

• Screen early for common fetal chromosomal aneuploidies
• Assess pregnancies with advanced maternal age
• Evaluate pregnancies with abnormal first-trimester screening results
• Investigate concerning ultrasound findings
• Receive a more accurate screening test than conventional maternal serum screening

Who Should Consider This Test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend NIPT Basic if you have:

• Maternal age of 35 years or older
• High-risk first-trimester screening results
• Abnormal ultrasound findings
• A previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal abnormality
• A family history of certain genetic conditions
• A preference for highly accurate, non-invasive prenatal screening compared to traditional marker testing

Why Do I Need NIPT Basic?

NIPT Basic provides an early assessment of the baby's risk for the most common chromosomal aneuploidies using a simple maternal blood sample. It offers greater accuracy than conventional prenatal screening methods and helps healthcare providers determine whether further diagnostic testing may be required.

Advantages of NIPT Basic

NIPT Basic offers several benefits:

• Can be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy
• Requires only a simple maternal blood sample
• No procedure-related risk to the fetus
• High sensitivity and specificity for common trisomies
• Lower false-positive rates compared with conventional screening tests
• May reduce unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures
• Provides early information to support pregnancy care and decision-making

How Do I Prepare for the Test?

• No fasting is required.
• The test should be performed after 10 completed weeks of pregnancy.
• Pregnancy duration should ideally be confirmed by ultrasound before testing.
• Stay well hydrated before the blood sample is collected.
• Discuss the test and its limitations with your healthcare provider.

How Is the Test Performed?

The procedure involves a simple maternal blood draw:

• The healthcare provider confirms eligibility and obtains consent.
• A 10 mL blood sample is collected from a vein in the mother's arm.
• The sample is sent to our laboratory for cell-free fetal DNA analysis.
• Results are generally available within 10 working days

What Happens After the Test?

• You can resume your normal daily activities immediately after the blood draw.
• Mild bruising at the collection site may occur.
• Your healthcare provider will review the results with you once they are available.
• If the result is low risk, routine prenatal care generally continues.
• If the result is high risk, confirmatory diagnostic testing may be recommended.

When Should I Consult a Doctor After the Test?

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your report indicates a high-risk result
• The laboratory is unable to provide a result (no-call result)
• You need help understanding your report
• Your doctor recommends additional testing or genetic counseling

Risks Associated with the Test

NIPT Basic is extremely safe because it requires only a maternal blood sample and poses no direct risk to the fetus.

However:

• It is a screening test, not a diagnostic test.
• False-positive and false-negative results can occur.
• High-risk results should always be confirmed with diagnostic testing and clinical consultation.

Lifestyle Tips During Pregnancy

• Continue taking prenatal vitamins as prescribed.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Stay physically active as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
• Attend all scheduled prenatal check-ups.

What Does the Test Measure?

The test analyzes cell-free fetal DNA circulating in the mother's bloodstream to screen for:

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
• Sex chromosome aneuploidies

What Do the Results Mean?

• Low Risk: The likelihood of the screened chromosomal abnormalities is low.
• High Risk: Increased likelihood of one or more screened conditions; confirmatory diagnostic testing is recommended.
• No-Call: Insufficient fetal DNA or technical factors may require repeat testing or additional evaluation.

What Should I Do If My Results Are Abnormal?

• Consult your obstetrician or genetic specialist.
• Schedule genetic counseling if recommended.
• Discuss confirmatory diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
• Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding pregnancy management.

Can the Results Be Affected by Other Factors?

Yes. Test performance may be affected by:

• Low fetal fraction
• Maternal obesity
• Multiple pregnancy
• Vanishing twin
• Certain maternal medical conditions
• Early gestational age
• Maternal malignancies

Factors That May Affect Test Accuracy

• Low fetal DNA fraction
• Pregnancy before 10 completed weeks
• Multiple gestation
• Maternal obesity
• Sample quality issues

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is NIPT Basic a diagnostic test?

No. NIPT Basic is a screening test. Positive or high-risk results should always be confirmed with diagnostic testing.

2. Is fasting required before the test?

No. Fasting is not required.

3. When can this test be performed?

The test can be performed from 10 completed weeks of pregnancy onward.

4. Does NIPT Basic detect all genetic disorders?

No. It screens only for common chromosomal abnormalities, including Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, and sex chromosome aneuploidies.

5. How long does it take to receive the results?

Results are generally available within 10 working days

6. Is NIPT Basic more accurate than conventional prenatal screening?

Yes. NIPT Basic has higher sensitivity and specificity for common trisomies compared with conventional maternal serum screening.

7. What happens if my result is high risk?

Your healthcare provider will usually recommend genetic counseling and confirmatory diagnostic testing, such as CVS or amniocentesis, before making any clinical decisions.