Non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)

A blood sample taken from the mother can detect 99% of all fetuses with Down syndrome and between 95 and 99% of all fetuses with trisomy 18 or trisomy 13. Changes in the number of sex chromosomes and the absence of small pieces of individual chromosomes (microdeletions) from the maternal blood can also be examined. If the result of the test is conspicuous, it must always be confirmed by an amniocentesis because the test will rarely be conspicuous in a healthy child. Compared to an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, the blood test provides less information. The advantage, of course, is that the test poses no risk for the child.

It is important to remember that fetal malformations are much more common than chromosomal disorders. We therefore only offer NIPT in connection with an ultrasound examination.