Why The NIPT Test Is So Important For Sharjah Moms-To-Be

When it comes to NIPT test in Sharjah (non-invasive prenatal testing test), it makes use of the blood of a pregnant woman with the intention of detecting congenital abnormalities in the DNA of the fetus. Down syndrome is one of the genetic conditions that the DNA is screened for. This test is not capable of diagnosing conditions. It tells the provider how probable it is that a condition exists. This test can be carried out in the beginning at ten weeks of pregnancy.

What is NIPT test?

NIPT test stands for non-invasive prenatal testing. It is a screening test that is offered at the time of pregnancy in order to see if the fetus is at risk for having any type of chromosomal disorder such as Patau Syndrome (trisomy 13), Edwards Syndrome (trisomy 18), and Down Syndrome (trisomy 21). This test can even help find out the sex of the fetus. It is carried out by taking a sample of the blood of a pregnant woman, which even contains fragments of DNA from the fetus.

DNA makes up the chromosomes and genes of a person, and gives a fetal medicine specialist or a healthcare provider a glimpse into the genetic makeup of the fetus. The blood sample is sent to a lab and analyzed for particular congenital disorders. This test is not able to screen for all genetic or chromosomal conditions.

The NIPT test is also known as cfDNA (cell-free DNA) screening or non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). It is very important to keep in mind that a screening test estimates the probability of the fetus having a specific condition. It does not detect a condition. Always keep in mind that this test is optional. A Healthcare provider will provide information regarding prenatal genetic testing and help you make an informed decision regarding the choices you have got.

The key purpose of NIPT test

NIPT is the test that does not test for every type of birth disorder or chromosomal condition. The majority of NIPT tests are carried out for the purpose of screening the following:

a.     Disorders having an effect on sex chromosomes (X and Y)

b.     Trisomy 13

c.     Trisomy 18

d.     Down syndrome (trisomy 21)

An additional chromosome causes Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. Screening for sex chromosomes can help to forecast the sex of the fetus and can even screen for differences in the usual number of sex chromosomes. The majority of common sex chromosome conditions are XYY syndrome, triple X syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and Turner syndrome. Not every NIPT panel assesses for the same conditions. It is very important to have a detailed word with your maternal fetal medicine doctor in Alain or healthcare provider regarding what the NIPT test is screening for.

Why is non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) carried out?

NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) test is the one that helps to find out the possibilities of the fetus of being born with certain chromosomal disorders. Healthcare providers may recommend it if you have any of the following conditions:

a.     Have had an earlier screening test that suggests a potential issue.

b.     Have had an ultrasound that demonstrates that the fetus may have an abnormality.

c.     Have a child with a chromosomal abnormality.

The ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) used just to recommend NIPT for pregnant women who are considered high risk. However, it is now recommended that providers offer NIPT test to almost every pregnant woman, in spite of the risk.

Depending on the results of the NIPT test, the obstetrician may recommend diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests provide you with a certain answer regarding whether the fetus has a particular condition.

When the NIPT test is supposed to be carried out at the time of pregnancy?

NIPT testing can be carried out as early as ten weeks of pregnancy through delivery. In general, there is not an adequate amount of fetal DNA in the blood of a pregnant woman prior to ten weeks of pregnancy.

How precise are NIPT tests?

The precision of the test differs by the condition that it is checking for. Other factors -such as being pregnant with multiples, bring surrogate or having obesity - can have an effect on the results of NIPT testing.

NIPT is about 99% precise when it comes to detecting Down syndrome. To some extent, the test is less precise for detecting trisomy 18 and trisomy 18. On the whole, NIPT tests produce fewer false positives as compared to other prenatal screenings such as the quad screen.

It is essential to get the NIPT test at the time of pregnancy?

No, it is not essential. It is a personal choice, and it is normal to have questions. A healthcare provider or a professional for maternal fetal medicine will discuss all your choices for prenatal screening, including NIPT. There are a lot of factors that may go into the choice to have NIPT and prenatal genetic testing in general.

If you are having a difficult time or wish to discuss the screenings in more detail, a genetic counselor can help you understand the prenatal testing alternatives and what may be a good fit for you.

How a NIPT testing is carried out?

During this test, the provider will collect a sample of your blood in order to look for abnormalities in the DNA of the fetus. The DNA is inside all of the cells. The cells are constantly dividing and creating new cells. When cells break down, tiny DNA fragments are released into the bloodstream. You have a small amount of the DNA of the fetus circulating in the bloodstream at the time of pregnancy. The NIPT test looks at such fragments of fetal DNA in the blood - known as cfDNA or cell-free DNA.

It is essential to note that it takes about ten weeks for an adequate amount of DNA to circulate in the blood. That is the reason the screening is not carried out until ten weeks into the pregnancy.

Are there any risks to the NIPT test?

NIPT tests are considered to be absolutely safe, and there is no risk to the fetus. It necessitates drawing blood from the pregnant woman only.

When am I supposed to get the results?

At times, results from NIPT testing can take up to two weeks, even though results are usually available sooner. The healthcare provider will get the test results first, and then share the results with you.

Is it worth getting NIPT test done?

Getting a non-invasive pregnancy screening or other prenatal genetic test done is all up to you. The healthcare provider can respond to all the queries you may have, but ultimately you have to make a decision the way a chromosomal or genetic disorder has an effect on you and your family depending on your condition.

The following are some of the questions that might be helpful to you as you make your choice:

a.     Would knowing this information help my provider take better care of the baby?

b.     Does knowing this information make me sad, anxious or fee prepared to care for the baby?

c.     Would I do something different knowing the fetus has a genetic condition or an increased risk for a genetic condition?

d.     Would I consider diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or CVS?

e.     How will I feel about a positive screening result?

A note from a specialist

The NIPT test is a highly reliable prenatal screening tool that evaluates the risk of chromosomal disorders in a fetus. This test can even give information regarding the sex of the fetus. NIPT testing does not diagnose conditions - it just suggests a fetus is more expected to have a specific condition. Diagnostic testing may be recommended after you get NIPT test results.

Prenatal tests such as NIPT are optional, and getting the test is totally up to you. Have a word with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor regarding your concerns. Be certain to understand what the test screens for and what the results mean so you make an informed decision.

If you are in search of an experienced professional for maternal fetal medicine near me in Sharjah or Alain, feel free to get in touch with the ones at Mothers and Fetuses!