Does a maternal fetal medicine perform NIPT?

NIPT, also called non-invasive prenatal testing or a cell-free DNA test, uses a blood sample from the pregnant person to screen for selected chromosome differences. A maternal-fetal medicine team may offer the test in its clinic or coordinate it with a laboratory. The specialist can discuss timing, the conditions included in the chosen test, and the limits of screening. A screening result is not the same as a diagnosis, so an unexpected result may lead to a conversation about diagnostic testing and detailed ultrasound assessment.

Before booking, ask which NIPT panel is available, when the result is expected, and how results will be communicated. Bring your pregnancy details, previous screening information, and any family or genetic history that may affect counselling. Tell the team about questions or worries before the blood draw. You can also ask whether the maternal-fetal medicine specialist will review the result with you directly or refer you to genetic counselling.

Contact your maternity team promptly if you receive an abnormal or unclear screening result, because it needs careful interpretation rather than a conclusion about the baby. Seek urgent pregnancy care for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting, or fluid loss; these symptoms are separate from the NIPT blood draw and need assessment.

Ask: What does this test screen for? What can it not detect? When should I have the blood sample taken? What happens if the result is high risk, low risk, or unavailable? Who will explain the next steps?