Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) is a screening test performed using cell-free fetal DNA analysis, obtained by a simple blood test from the pregnant patient. NIPS is an option for further screening for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13. Fetal sex determination is also offered with this screen. The results from NIPS are very accurate but not diagnostic.
Results come back as ‘screen negative’ (very low chance that the baby has a chromosome difference for 13,18,21) or ‘screen positive’ (result must be confirmed with invasive testing). There is less than 5% chance of an inconclusive result.
EFW Radiology - Calgary Maternal Fetal Medicine Centre, in partnership with Genolab (a certified Canadian laboratory) is offering Non-invasive Prenatal Screening to patients with an increased risk of aneuploidy in their pregnancy.
