NIPT test for pregnant reveals the sex and abnormalities of the fetus

Have you ever heard of the NIPT test during pregnancy? Has your doctor mentioned that this screening could detect genetic problems in your baby at a very early stage?In this article from Dalili Medical, we provide a complete guide to the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing): What is it? When is it done? What are its types? And how accurate is it in detecting chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome?

✅ What Is the NIPT Test?

NIPT stands for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing. It is a non-invasive blood test performed during pregnancy to analyze cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the mother's bloodstream.

The goal of this test is to detect chromosomal abnormalities—such as trisomy 21, 18, and 13—making it one of the most accurate and safest methods for early detection of genetic disorders in the fetus.

???? When Is the NIPT Test Performed?

NIPT can be performed as early as the 10th week of pregnancy. This is earlier than most traditional screening tests, giving expecting parents more time to prepare and make informed decisions if necessary.

???? What Can the NIPT Test Detect?

NIPT analyzes fetal chromosomes and can detect the following conditions:

Genetic Condition	Description
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)	The most common chromosomal abnormality
Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)	A serious disorder affecting fetal development
Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)	A rare condition causing multiple birth defects
Sex chromosome abnormalities	e.g., Turner Syndrome, Klinefelter Syndrome
Fetal sex (optional)	Can be determined with high accuracy if desired

???? How Accurate Is the NIPT Test?

NIPT is one of the most accurate prenatal screening tests available:

It detects Down syndrome with over 99% accuracy.
For other abnormalities like trisomy 18 and 13, accuracy ranges between 92–97%.

However, it's important to note that NIPT is not a diagnostic test. It is considered a highly reliable screening, and positive results must be confirmed with diagnostic procedures such as:

Amniocentesis
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

???? How Is the NIPT Test Performed?

Visit your OB/GYN or a prenatal testing center.
A small blood sample is drawn from the mother.
The sample is sent to a specialized genetic laboratory.
Results are typically available within 7 to 10 working days.

????‍⚕️ Who Should Consider NIPT?

While any pregnant woman can choose to undergo NIPT, it is especially recommended in the following cases:

Maternal age over 35 years
Family history of genetic disorders
Abnormal results in other screening tests (e.g., nuchal translucency)
A previous pregnancy with birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities
Pregnancy achieved through assisted reproductive techniques (e.g., IVF)

❓ Is the NIPT Test Safe?

Yes. NIPT is completely safe for both the mother and the baby. It is non-invasive and does not involve any risk of miscarriage because it only requires a simple maternal blood draw. No procedure enters the uterus.

???? How Much Does the NIPT Test Cost?

The cost of the NIPT test varies depending on the country, the laboratory, and the panel tested. Approximate pricing:

Egypt: 4,000 to 7,000 EGP
Saudi Arabia: 2,000 to 4,000 SAR
Gulf/Europe/US: 400 to 1,000 USD

Some health insurance plans cover part or all of the cost, especially if the test is medically indicated.

⚠️ Can NIPT Produce False Results?

Although NIPT is highly accurate, false positives and false negatives can still occur in rare cases. That's why a positive result should always be confirmed with a diagnostic test and reviewed by a genetic counselor or healthcare provider.

???? Can NIPT Determine the Baby’s Gender?

Yes. If you wish to know, NIPT can determine the baby’s sex with up to 99% accuracy, starting as early as the 10th week of pregnancy. This feature is optional and not related to detecting abnormalities.

???? Can NIPT Be Performed in Twin Pregnancies?

Yes, but the accuracy of NIPT is slightly lower in twin pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies. It may also be unable to determine which twin has a particular abnormality or identify the sex of each twin with high precision—especially in triplet or higher-order pregnancies.

???? Summary

NIPT is a safe, non-invasive blood test that can be performed early in pregnancy.
It detects common chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
Highly accurate but not a substitute for diagnostic testing.
Recommended for high-risk pregnancies, but available to all.
It can also reveal the baby’s gender with excellent precision.