Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing, commonly called NIPT, is a safe and highly accurate blood test used during pregnancy to screen for certain genetic conditions. Available as early as 10 weeks, NIPT offers early insight into your baby’s health without posing risk to you or your pregnancy. At Complete Care ObGyn, our Henderson OB/GYN team offers NIPT as part of comprehensive prenatal care to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

If you are interested in early, reliable screening results, NIPT may be an appropriate option for your pregnancy.

What Is NIPT?

NIPT is a prenatal screening test that analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the pregnant parent’s bloodstream. A simple blood draw allows the lab to assess the risk for certain chromosomal conditions.

NIPT commonly screens for:

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
• Sex chromosome conditions such as Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome
• Fetal sex, if requested

NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. It estimates risk but does not confirm or rule out a condition.

Who Should Consider NIPT?

NIPT is available to all pregnant patients and may be especially helpful if you:

• Will be age 35 or older at delivery
• Have a personal or family history of genetic conditions
• Had abnormal results on earlier prenatal screening
• Had a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition

Your provider will discuss whether NIPT fits your medical history, preferences, and pregnancy goals as part of your prenatal care.

Benefits of NIPT

NIPT offers several advantages for expectant parents:

• Early screening starting at 10 weeks of pregnancy
• High accuracy for common trisomies
• No risk to the pregnancy since it requires only a blood draw
• Optional early knowledge of fetal sex
• Helpful information to guide follow-up testing or care

What to Expect During Testing

NIPT is simple and fits easily into a routine prenatal visit:

• Your provider reviews the test and obtains consent
• A standard blood sample is collected
• The sample is sent to a specialized laboratory
• Results are typically available within 7 to 10 days

Once results are ready, your provider will review them with you and discuss any next steps.

Understanding Your Results

Low-risk result: Indicates a lower chance of the screened conditions, though it does not guarantee the absence of all genetic conditions.

High-risk result: Indicates an increased chance of a chromosomal condition. Additional evaluation may be recommended.

NIPT does not replace other important pregnancy evaluations such as ultrasound imaging, which remains an essential part of prenatal monitoring.

If Results Are Abnormal

If NIPT results show increased risk, your provider will guide you through appropriate next steps. These may include:

• Referral for genetic counseling
• Targeted or detailed ultrasound imaging
• Diagnostic testing such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis
• Ongoing support and care planning

You will have time, information, and support to make decisions that feel right for you.

Early Insight for Informed Pregnancy Care

Pregnancy brings many questions, and NIPT can provide early, meaningful information when it matters most. As part of comprehensive care, it supports informed planning and peace of mind.

Schedule your prenatal visit with Complete Care ObGyn in Henderson, NV to learn more about NIPT and whether it is right for your pregnancy.