Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) screens for certain chromosomal conditions in a developing fetus. When such a screen indicates a heightened possibility of these conditions, it is considered a high-probability result. For instance, the test might suggest an increased chance of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), or Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). These screenings analyze cell-free DNA circulating in the mother’s bloodstream, originating from the placenta.
This screening method offers a safer alternative to more invasive diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), carrying significantly lower risks of miscarriage. While not diagnostic, a high-probability screening result provides crucial information for parents to consider further testing and make informed decisions about their pregnancy. The development and increasing availability of NIPT has significantly altered prenatal care, offering expectant parents more information earlier in pregnancy.