NIPT is a simple blood test that can help to detect chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic conditions. If you’re thinking about having one of the NIPT tests that we provide at The Birth Company, then you may be wondering how it all works. How can we check your baby’s genes using just a sample of your blood?
The placenta forms a barrier between mother and baby that allows some things to pass through while blocking others. For example, the circulatory systems are kept separate so that the baby’s blood never passes into the mother. However, some cells and fragments of cells can break away from the placenta and pass into the mother’s bloodstream. Since the placenta was produced from the same fertilised egg as the baby, the cells are genetically identical to those of the unborn baby. It is the DNA from the placenta that will be captured and analysed during NIPT.
If you decide to have NIPT, you will simply need to provide a sample of your blood to be tested in the lab. The process will be very similar to having any other kind of blood test. Once the sample has been taken, the fetal DNA will be extracted from it and analysed. The tests can check the number of chromosomes in the fetal cells or check for specific genetic faults if you are at risk. You will be able to discuss the results in detail with your doctor after the test to ensure that you understand what they mean and what your options are if any abnormalities are detected.
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