Description
Noninvasive Prenatal Screening
Details
NIPS with Fetal Sex and SCA is a noninvasive prenatal blood test that screens for certain chromosomal abnormalities in a developing baby. Using cell-free DNA found in the mother's bloodstream, this test can identify pregnancies at increased risk for specific genetic conditions while also predicting fetal sex.
This screening can be performed as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy and requires only a simple blood draw.
What's Tested?
Common Chromosomal Abnormalities:
- Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome): An extra copy of chromosome 21.
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome): An extra copy of chromosome 18.
- Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome): An extra copy of chromosome 13.
Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies (SCA):
- Turner Syndrome (Monosomy X): Missing or partially missing X chromosome.
- Klinefelter Syndrome (XXY): An extra X chromosome in a male.
- Triple X Syndrome (XXX): An extra X chromosome in a female.
- XYY Syndrome: An extra Y chromosome in a male.
Fetal Sex Determination:
- Predicts whether the baby is genetically male or female based on sex chromosome DNA.
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Expectant mothers seeking early prenatal genetic screening.
- Women who want information about their baby's risk for common chromosomal conditions.
- Parents interested in learning their baby's sex early in pregnancy.
- Pregnant individuals who prefer a noninvasive screening option.
Test Information
- Specimen: Maternal blood
- When to Test: Starting at 10 weeks of pregnancy
- Fasting Required: No
- Collection: Simple blood draw
Important Information
NIPS is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. A positive result does not confirm a chromosomal disorder, and a negative result does not guarantee that a baby is free of genetic conditions or birth defects. Positive or inconclusive results should be reviewed with a prenatal healthcare provider or genetic counselor to determine whether additional testing is appropriate.
