Understanding the Reliability of NIPT: What You Need to Know
Learn about the reliability of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) and its implications for prenatal screening.
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NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is highly reliable, boasting a 99% detection rate for conditions such as Down syndrome. However, it’s important to note that while the test is accurate, it is still a screening tool and not a diagnostic test. For definitive results, further diagnostic testing like amniocentesis may be recommended.
FAQs & Answers
- What is NIPT and how does it work? NIPT, or Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing, analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in a pregnant woman's blood to screen for genetic conditions.
- How does NIPT compare with amniocentesis? While NIPT is a non-invasive screening tool with high accuracy, amniocentesis is an invasive diagnostic test that provides definitive results.
- What conditions can NIPT detect? NIPT can screen for several genetic conditions, including Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.
- Is a positive NIPT result definitive? No, a positive NIPT result indicates a higher risk of a condition but is not a definitive diagnosis. Follow-up testing is recommended.