Pregnancy is a time of joy, but it’s natural to feel anxious about your baby’s health. Advances in medical science now allow early detection of certain genetic conditions without risking the baby’s safety. One such advancement is the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT).
This guide explains: what NIPT is, how it works, when to take it, what it detects, accuracy, safety, limitations, cost in India, and nationwide availability.
1. What is NIPT?
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a screening test that analyses small fragments of your baby’s DNA that circulate in the mother’s blood during pregnancy. Because it only uses a maternal blood sample, it is non-invasive and does not increase the risk of miscarriage.
Conditions commonly screened
- Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)
- Certain sex chromosome conditions (for example, Turner syndrome)
Legal note (India): The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act prohibits disclosure of fetal sex. NIPT should be used for medically indicated genetic screening, and any discussion about fetal sex should follow local laws and ethical guidelines.
2. How does NIPT work?
- Blood collection: A small blood sample is collected from the mother’s arm.
- DNA extraction: The laboratory isolates cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) from the maternal plasma.
- Sequencing & analysis: cffDNA is analysed using methods such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) or targeted assays to look for chromosomal imbalances.
- Result interpretation: The lab reports whether the screened conditions are at low or high risk. Results should be discussed with your clinician or genetic counselor.
3. When should NIPT be done?
NIPT is most accurate after 10 weeks of pregnancy. Testing earlier may result in an insufficient fetal DNA fraction and inconclusive results.
Who commonly chooses NIPT?
- Women aged 35 or older
- Pregnancies conceived via IVF
- Families with a history of genetic conditions
- Those who had abnormal findings on prior screening or ultrasound
- Parents seeking early reassurance
4. Accuracy of NIPT
NIPT is highly sensitive for common chromosomal conditions, but accuracy varies by condition and test type:
- Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21): >99% detection rate
- Trisomy 18 & 13: ~97–99% detection rate
- Sex chromosome conditions: ~90–95% detection rate
Important: NIPT is a screening test — it estimates risk. A positive/high-risk screening result should be followed by confirmatory diagnostic testing (CVS or amniocentesis) and genetic counseling.
5. Benefits of NIPT
- Safe
- Early detection — Can be performed from 10 weeks, allowing earlier information.
- High sensitivity for common trisomies compared with traditional serum screening.
- Simple sample collection and typically faster turnaround than invasive diagnostics.
6. Limitations of NIPT
- Does not detect all genetic disorders or structural anomalies (e.g., neural tube defects).
- Lower accuracy or inconclusive results can occur if fetal DNA fraction is low (e.g., early gestation, high maternal BMI).
- Interpretation is more complicated in multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets).
- Positive results need confirmation with diagnostic tests before making major decisions.
7. NIPT in India
NIPT is widely available across India in metropolitan areas and increasingly in smaller cities and towns through accredited diagnostic centers and sample collection networks.
Typical market cost in India: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 (varies by lab and panel).
Listed price (informational): DNA Labs India lists a standard NIPT panel price of ₹10,000 and indicates sample collection and services are available nationwide. Prices can differ depending on the specific panel (number of conditions screened) and testing methods used.
| Test | Typical Market Range | Informational Listing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard NIPT panel | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 | DNA Labs India listed: ₹10,000 |
8. Local Search Guide for Expecting Mothers
If you’re searching online, you can visit the link below for more information:
🔗 DNA Labs India – NIPT Cost & Details
📍 DNA Labs India provides NIPT testing services all over India, including:
Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, and other cities through accredited labs.
9. Key takeaway
NIPT is a safe, reliable, early screening tool for common chromosomal abnormalities. It complements (but does not replace) standard prenatal care and diagnostic testing. Discuss results and next steps with your obstetrician or a genetic counselor.
10. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: Is NIPT legal in India?
A: Yes. NIPT is legal when used for medical purposes. However, prenatal determination of fetal sex is illegal under Indian law (PCPNDT Act).
Q: Does NIPT harm the baby?
A: No. NIPT is non-invasive and only requires a blood sample from the mother, so it does not harm the baby.
Q: Can NIPT detect all genetic problems?
A: No. NIPT primarily screens for common chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., trisomies). It does not detect all genetic syndromes or structural anomalies.
Q: How long do results take?
A: Typical turnaround is about 5–10 working days, depending on the lab and logistics.
Q: What should I do if NIPT shows high risk?
A: Discuss the result with your obstetrician or genetic counselor. Confirmatory diagnostic testing (CVS or amniocentesis) is usually recommended before making clinical decisions.
