Understanding Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): A Guide for Expecting Parents
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience filled with excitement and anticipation. As technology advances, so do the options available to soon-to-be parents, especially in the realm of prenatal testing.
One such development is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). This blog article aims to provide expecting parents with a comprehensive understanding of NIPT as a screening service, its benefits, and considerations to make informed choices during their pregnancy journey.
What is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)?
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing or NIPT, is a cutting-edge screening test that focuses on analyzing the risks related to genetic conditions of the developing baby. It is done through a simple blood draw from the expecting mother as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy, with little or no risk.
How Does NIPT Work?
NIPT relies on the analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the maternal bloodstream. During pregnancy, a small fraction of the DNA in the bloodstream comes from the placenta and the developing fetus. By isolating and analyzing this fetal DNA, NIPT can provide valuable information about the baby's genetic makeup.
Conditions Detected by NIPT
Non-invasive Prenatal Testing screens for the most common chromosomal abnormalities, including Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13). NIPT also screens for sex chromosome abnormalities like Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome. With Cordlife NIPT, up to 142 conditions can be detected.
Advantages of NIPT
Non-invasive Prenatal Test poses no direct threat to the fetus or the mother and since it can be performed as early as 10th week of pregnancy, you can get early insights into your baby's health and be more prepared for their arrival. NIPT boasts high sensitivity and specificity rates, offering reliable results.
Another thing that parents love about NIPT is that it also provides the option to know the gender early.
Screening, Not Confirmatory
NIPT is a screening tool and does not provide definitive diagnostic results. Positive findings may require confirmation for diagnostic test.
Cordlife Philippines Non-invasive Prenatal Testing with free Chromosomal Microarray Analysis
Cordlife PH offers basic and comprehensive options for NIPT with its available plans: Lite, Premium, and Premium Plus. With Cordlife NIPT Premium Plus, high-risk patients can avail of free Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) diagnostic testing.
Cordlife NIPT Price
Cordlife NIPT price ranges from P21,500-P44,500 with a free genetic counseling session and the option to have a home service maternal blood extraction.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing is a safe, accurate, and convenient option for expectant parents to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in their unborn child. Informed choices during pregnancy contribute to a healthier and more secure start for both parents and their precious new addition to the family. Ask your OB-GYN about NIPT today!
