NIPT

What is NIPT?
NIPT stands for non-invasive prenatal test, and is a sample of the fetus's DNA that is taken without intervention other than a blood sample from the mother. The test can reveal chromosomal defects such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 or trisomy 13. Who can order the test and in which situations it can be used is strictly regulated in the same way as other fetal diagnostic tests.

 

The legislation regulates the use of NIPT
The Biotechnology Act and its regulations regulate the use of fetal diagnostics. Fetal diagnostics means the examination of fetal cells, the fetus or the pregnant woman in order to obtain information about genetic characteristics, detect or rule out disease or developmental disorders in the fetus. KUB test (combination of early ultrasound and blood test), amniocentesis and placental test are other forms of fetal diagnostics.

Only doctors at five university hospitals in Norway are allowed to order the NIPT test - the University Hospitals in Tromsø, Trondheim, Bergen, Stavanger and Oslo. The sample can only be taken in women who have completed the KUB test and have been shown to be at high risk for trisomy.

Article taken from NHI