Non-Invasive Prenatal Cell-Free DNA Test for Chromosomal Abnormality Screening (NIPT)
This test checks for certain chromosomal abnormalities in your baby using a simple blood sample from you. It helps identify risks for conditions like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome.
["A simple blood test to screen for common chromosomal birth defects during pregnancy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75545-4
- Short code
- NIPT comment
- Synonyms
- NIPT comment
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
How the Test Works
Your healthcare provider takes a small amount of blood from your arm. The blood is processed to extract tiny fragments of your baby’s DNA, which circulate in your bloodstream. Advanced laboratory techniques analyze these fragments to estimate the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may need to fast for a few hours before the blood draw, but this is not always required. Your provider will explain any specific instructions for your test. You’ll likely feel minimal discomfort during the draw, similar to a routine blood test.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a screening risk estimate rather than a definitive diagnosis. A low risk does not guarantee your baby is healthy, and a high risk means further testing (like amniocentesis) may be recommended. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Consider This Test
NIPT is often recommended for women with certain risk factors (e.g., advanced maternal age, previous birth defects, or family history of chromosomal conditions). It can also be offered as a general screening option for all pregnant individuals.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
NIPT Screening
Frequently asked questions
Why is this test important?
What are the limitations of this test?
How often is this test performed?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy