What aspects of the fetus does non-invasive prenatal DNA testing (NIPT) primarily assess?
Disease description:
I am an advanced maternal age pregnant woman, and my doctor has recommended non-invasive prenatal DNA testing (NIPT). What aspects of the fetus does NIPT primarily screen for?
Non-invasive prenatal DNA testing (NIPT) primarily screens for fetal chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). NIPT boasts a relatively high accuracy rate. If conventional serum screening (e.g., the “triple” or “quadruple” test) yields a high-risk result, NIPT is recommended for further evaluation. NIPT involves drawing a blood sample from the pregnant woman and poses no risk to the fetus.