Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
In just 10 minutes, build your confidence to explain non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) clearly, accurately, and sensitively to expectant parents. Fast, evidence-based, and tailored to busy maternity professionals, just like you.
TAKE THE QUIZ
What is NIPT and why is it important?
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) uses cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in a maternal blood sample to screen for trisomies — specifically Down, Edwards’, and Patau’s syndromes¹. Compared to conventional combined screening, NIPT is more accurate and far safer, helping to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures and related miscarriages¹. In the NHS, NIPT is now available for women at a higher chance (1 in 2 to 1 in 150) after first-line screening⁴.
NEXT STEP
Which statement about NIPT is correct?
Question 1/5
Please select your answer from the choices below
A
B
C
D
NIPT screens for trisomies using maternal urine samples.
NIPT is a screening test that examines fetal DNA from a maternal blood sample.
NIPT can only be used for twin pregnancies.
NIPT is a diagnostic test that replaces CVS or amniocentesis
NIPT is a screening test that examines cell-free fetal DNA from a maternal blood sample¹. It improves accuracy in detecting trisomy risk without replacing diagnostic testing like CVS or amniocentesis⁵.
Correct!
Incorrect!
How NIPT Works: Fetal fraction matters
NIPT examines tiny fragments of DNA circulating in the mother’s blood, with a small proportion coming from the fetus³. This proportion is called the fetal fraction. The accuracy of NIPT depends heavily on having enough fetal DNA. Factors like gestational age, maternal BMI, and sample handling can all impact fetal fraction. Low fetal fractions can reduce test reliability.
Method of sample collection
Maternal BMI
Which factors influence the amount of fetal cell-free DNA in a maternal blood sample?
Question 2/5
E
Shipping conditions
Maternal age
F
A, C, D, E
Gestational age
Maternal BMI, gestational age, sample collection methods, and shipping conditions all impact fetal fraction. Interestingly, maternal age itself does not directly affect fetal cfDNA levels.
NIPT is highly accurate — but false positives still matter
Compared to traditional screening, NIPT has a much lower false-positive rate — less than 0.1% for each trisomy. Traditional first-trimester screening has a false-positive rate of 3–5%⁷. Reducing false positives means fewer women are exposed to unnecessary invasive testing, helping to lower anxiety and miscarriage risk.
10% and 3.5%
3-5% and <0.1%
1% and 0.5%
<1% and 0.06%
What are the approximate false-positive rates for conventional first trimester screening and NIPT?
Question 3/5
The false-positive rate for traditional combined screening is around 3–5%, compared to <0.1% for NIPT⁷⁸.
Positive Predictive Value (PPV): Helping parents understand risk
Positive predictive value (PPV) tells us the chance that a positive test truly means the fetus is affected¹⁷. PPV depends on two things: 1. The prevalence of the condition 2. The test’s false-positive rate In high-risk groups, PPV can be over 80%; in the general population, it might be as low as 33%¹⁸. Always check if the lab’s PPV reflects the patient's risk group.
The ability of a test to correctly identify those with the condition.
The percentage of individuals truly affected when the test result is positive.
The ability of a test to correctly identify those without the condition.
The proportion of individuals with a condition who test positive.
Which best describes positive predictive value (PPV)?
Question 4/5
PPV describes the percentage of individuals truly affected when the screening result is positive¹⁷. It is critical for explaining results to parents in an honest and supportive way.
Pre-test counselling: Setting parents up for informed choice
NIPT is not a diagnostic test — it’s a very accurate screening tool. Pre-test counselling is vital to explain what NIPT does and does not tell parents. Make sure parents understand the conditions screened, the benefits and limitations of the test, and what different results could mean. Clear counselling reduces anxiety, builds trust, and supports informed decision-making.
Favourite baby names
The likelihood of an invasive test being needed
How a positive result should be confirmed
What the test screens for and its limitations
Which of these should be covered during NIPT pre-test counselling?
Question 5/5
Timing of when results will be received
Partner’s relationship name (e.g., spouse, wife, husband)
A,B,C,E
Effective NIPT counselling includes the test's purpose and limits, how positive results should be followed up, the potential for invasive testing, and practicalities like result timing.
You’ve completed the fast-track training on Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT).
We hope this learning supports you in practice — giving you the tools to provide clear, compassionate advice to every parent you meet.
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