NIPT
Also written as: NIPT — Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
Non-invasive prenatal screening test using maternal blood to detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities through analysis of cell-free DNA.
Full Definition
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) analyzes cell-free fetal DNA circulating in maternal blood to screen for common chromosomal abnormalities including trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). The test can be performed as early as 9-10 weeks of pregnancy and has high sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional serum screening. However, NIPT is a screening test, not diagnostic, and positive results require confirmation through invasive testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalized as acronym; spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "NIPT results indicated high risk for trisomy 21, warranting genetic counseling and diagnostic testing options." — Laboratory report
- "The patient was counseled that NIPT is a screening test and cannot diagnose chromosomal abnormalities definitively." — Prenatal consultation notes