NIPS is a highly sensitive and specific screening test for Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edward Syndrome) and Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome) performed on a sample of maternal blood. The test can be performed from the 10th week of gestation.
Testing can be performed in singleton and twin pregnancies.
Requests for NIPS are only accepted on a fully completed CHL Request form available from the laboratory.
NIPS is a screening test with a sensitivity of >99% for trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and >85% for trisomy 13. A ‘low risk’ result does not completely exclude fetal chromosomal abnormality. A ‘high risk’ result should be followed up by specialist referral for diagnostic testing.
In about 3% of tests it is not possible to provide a result due to a low concentration of fetal DNA relative to maternal DNA (low fetal fraction) and a ‘No result’ will be issued. The fetal fraction decreases with increasing maternal weight, such that the risk of a ‘No result’ is about 20% in a woman with a maternal weight of 95 kg.
Maternal Screening
NIPS
STECK BCT tube must have more than 7 mL of blood ( otherwise sample is rejected ), Please check the request form and consent form are signed
please scan consent form and request form
Keep sample at room temperature, the tubes should not be separated or frozen, send to MSS lab. (80122)
Sample is stable at room temperature untill sent to VCGS
NIPT
13 days