Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening

Non-invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS), offered at Emirates Hospitals, provides a safe and convenient way to gain insights into your baby’s chromosomal health during pregnancy. Unlike invasive procedures that carry a slight risk, NIPS tests analyze your blood or a combination of your blood and your baby’s placental DNA circulating in your bloodstream.This painless approach offers valuable information early in pregnancy.

What Can NIPS Tests Detect?

The most common NIPS tests at Emirates Hospitals focus on identifying the risk of chromosomal abnormalities,specifically:

• Down syndrome (trisomy 21): This is the most common chromosomal abnormality detected through NIPS. It occurs when a baby has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two.
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome): This is a serious chromosomal condition associated with severe malformations and intellectual disability.
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome): This is another serious chromosomal abnormality with multiple birth defects and a very short life expectancy.

Advanced NIPS tests can screen for

• Sex chromosome aneuploidies: This refers to conditions where there’s an abnormal number of sex chromosomes (X or Y).
• Specific genetic conditions: Depending on the test, some NIPS options might screen for certain genetic conditions known to run in your family.

Benefits of NIPS Testing

• Safe and non-invasive: There’s no risk to you or your baby during the test.
• Early results: NIPS results can be available as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy, offering peace of mind early on.
• High accuracy: NIPS tests offer a high detection rate for common chromosomal abnormalities.
• Provides information for decision-making: The results can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about further testing or pregnancy management.

Limitations of NIPS Testing

•  NIPS results are probabilities, not a definitive diagnosis. If the test indicates an increased risk, further testing with invasive procedures like amniocentesis or CVS might be recommended for confirmation.
• NIPS tests are designed to screen for specific chromosomal abnormalities and some genetic conditions. They cannot detect all possible genetic conditions.

Considering NIPS Testing at Emirates Hospitals

Whether NIPS testing is right for you is a personal decision. Your doctor at Emirates Hospitals will discuss various factors to help you make an informed choice:

• Family history: If you or your partner has a family history of a genetic condition, NIPS might be recommended.
• Age: Women 35 years old and above have a slightly increased risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. NIPS can provide valuable information in such cases.
• Abnormal ultrasound findings: If an ultrasound reveals any concerning signs, your doctor might suggest NIPS for further evaluation.

Your doctor will explain the different NIPS options available, the testing process, and the interpretation of results.They will also address any concerns you may have and guide you through the next steps if further testing is needed.

Emirates Hospitals is committed to providing comprehensive prenatal care and supporting you throughout your pregnancy journey. NIPS testing can be a valuable tool for gaining early insights into your baby’s health and making informed decisions for your family.