What is NIPT?
Expecting a baby raises many questions — especially about their health. If you've heard about NIPT and wonder whether it’s right for you, this guide explains what NIPT is, what it can (and can’t) tell you, and how results are managed. We write for readers in Dubai with clear, compassionate information so you can discuss options confidently with your care team.
What does the NIPT test tell you?
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), also called cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening, analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the pregnant person's blood to screen for certain chromosomal conditions. Most commonly it screens for:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
Many labs also offer screening for some sex chromosome differences (e.g., Turner syndrome) and selected microdeletions, though the accuracy for these is generally lower than for trisomies. NIPT gives a risk estimate (high or low probability) rather than a definitive diagnosis.
Key points:
- NIPT is highly sensitive and specific for common trisomies, especially Down syndrome.
- It is a screening, not a diagnostic, test — positive results need follow-up.
- Timing: usually offered from 10 weeks of pregnancy onward.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment.
What happens if your NIPT test is positive?
A positive NIPT result means the test found enough fetal DNA patterns to suggest a higher likelihood of the specific chromosomal condition screened. It does not confirm the condition. Typical next steps include:
- Discuss results with your obstetrician or a genetic counsellor to understand what the result means, the statistical risk, and available options.
- Offer diagnostic testing if confirmation is desired. Common diagnostic tests are:
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), typically at 10–13 weeks.
- Amniocentesis, typically after 15 weeks.
- Ultrasound evaluation to look for structural findings that may be associated with chromosomal conditions.
Diagnostic tests carry a small risk (for example, miscarriage risk with CVS or amniocentesis). Decisions about next steps are personal and influenced by gestational age, family preferences, and clinical context. Genetic counselling can help you weigh the benefits and risks.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment and coordinate follow-up testing if needed.
Does the NIPT test for gender?
Yes — many NIPT panels can report fetal sex because fragments of Y chromosome DNA are detectable in maternal blood when carrying a male fetus. However:
- Sex determination by NIPT is generally accurate after about 10 weeks, but false results can occur (e.g., vanishing twin, maternal chromosomal variations, sample mix-up).
- Some clinics and parents choose to defer sex disclosure for personal or cultural reasons; check your clinic’s policy if you want to know or not.
NIPT is designed primarily for chromosomal screening, not as the primary method for sex determination.
What does the NIPT test tell me?
If you’re asking this personally — what to expect from the process — here’s a simple overview:
- When: Usually offered from 10 weeks of pregnancy after a discussion of risks and benefits.
- How: A blood draw from the pregnant person is sent to a specialized laboratory for cfDNA analysis.
- Results: Typically returned within 5–10 business days but can vary by lab and location.
- Outcome: You receive a report indicating low or high probability for specific chromosomal conditions and often a confidence metric.
Limitations to remember:
- NIPT does not screen for every genetic condition or birth defect.
- A low-risk result reduces the likelihood of common trisomies but cannot guarantee an unaffected pregnancy.
- A high-risk result requires confirmatory diagnostic testing.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment and explain what the results mean for your pregnancy.
When to Visit a Doctor at Zaincura
If you are pregnant in Dubai and considering NIPT, or you have received NIPT results and feel unsure about the next steps, book an appointment with Zaincura. You should consult a specialist if:
- You are interested in NIPT and want counselling about benefits, limitations, and timing.
- You receive a positive or inconclusive NIPT result and want to discuss diagnostic testing options.
- You have ultrasound findings or a family history that increases the likelihood of a chromosomal or genetic condition.
- You want emotional support and clear information to make informed decisions.
Our team at Zaincura offers prenatal counselling, testing coordination, and access to genetic counselling and high-quality diagnostic services. We can help you understand your options, the risks and benefits of follow-up testing, and support you through decision-making.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment.
Conclusion
NIPT is a powerful, non-invasive screening tool that provides early information about the probability of certain chromosomal conditions. It is highly accurate for common trisomies but remains a screening test — positive results should be confirmed with diagnostic testing and interpreted with expert counselling. If you are in Dubai and considering NIPT or have questions about results, contact Zaincura for a professional assessment and personalized guidance.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment.
References
- NHS. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). NHS.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/complications/non-invasive-prenatal-testing-nipt/
- ACOG. Cell-free DNA Screening for Fetal Aneuploidy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletin and Committee Opinions. https://www.acog.org/
- CDC. Prenatal Genetic Testing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/gtesting/genetic_testing/prenatal.htm
- Mayo Clinic. Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/noninvasive-prenatal-testing/about/pac-20394259
- Benn, P., Cuckle, H., Pergament, E. (2013). Non-invasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy: Current status and future prospects. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23553444/
(For local appointments and personalized counselling, our clinical team at Zaincura can help you interpret NIPT options and results.)