Noninvasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS)
Empowering Expecting Parents
Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) can give expecting mothers the knowledge needed to make medical decisions regarding pregnancy, including the decision to pursue more invasive testing methods. In addition to being able to identify the sex of the fetus, NIPS is the best option for expecting patients in predicting the likelihood of certain chromosome aneuploidies such as:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
- Sex chromosome aneuploidies.
For more details about the test method, turnaround time and shipping visit our test directory.
Genomics Test Directory
NIPS is now endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine for all patients regardless of maternal age.
Benefits of NIPS
- Greater than a 99% detection rate for Down syndrome
- NIPS only requires 1 blood test for results
- NIPS can be completed as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy
- Results are typically available for order providers within 4-6 days
- Sneak Peek of Baby’s Sex: Patients have the option to learn about their baby’s sex very early into pregnancy
Note: NIPS is a screening test; it does not provide a diagnosis.
Comparing Noninvasive Prenatal Screening & Maternal Serum Screening
NIPS, which uses cell-free DNA testing, is currently the most sensitive and specific screening test for common fetal aneuploidies involving chromosomes 21, 18, 13, X, and Y with optional fetal sex detection. Traditional maternal serum screening (MSS) typically screens for only trisomy 21 and trisomy 18. In addition to being a more accurate test, NIPS can be performed earlier in pregnancy than most MSS options and requires only a single maternal blood draw. Here's a table that can help you decide which prenatal genetic screening option is the best for your patient.
| Screening Approach | Gestational Age of Collection | Fetal Sex Detected | Trisomy 21 Detection Rate | Number of Collections Required | |
| NIPS | 10 Weeks to Term | Yes | 99% | 1 | |
| Quad Screening | 15-22 Weeks | No | 81% | 1 | |
Integrated
| 10-13 Then 15-22 Weeks | No | 96% | 2 | |
| Sequential Screening | 10-13 Then 15-22 Weeks | No | 95% | 2 |
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