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The NIPT

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a blood test to check for chromosomal abnormalities. You can decide to have the NIPT if you want to know during pregnancy if your child has a chromosomal abnormality. Did you decide to have the NIPT? Then you will hear about any chromosomal abnormalities that might have serious consequences for your child’s health, such as Down syndrome. The NIPT is a blood test. 

It is up to you to decide if you want to have this test.

What is the NIPT?

  1. You are pregnant

    You make an appointment with a midwife. The midwife asks if you want to know more about testing for chromosomal abnormalities.

  2. A long talk

    You have a long talk with your midwife to help you decide. How much do you want to know about your child during pregnancy? If you are told that your child has an abnormality, what do you want to do?

  3. Blood sample

    If you choose to have the NIPT, it will involve giving a blood sample. You can have blood drawn from week 12 of your pregnancy.

  4. The results

    You will usually receive the results within 14 days.

  5. Optional: follow-up testing

    If you have an abnormal result, you can choose to have follow-up testing. This will help you know for sure if your child has a chromosomal abnormality.

Video

How does the NIPT work? Watch the video.

FAQ

FAQ about the NIPT

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