NIPT test

What is NIPT test - non-invasive prenatal testing?

A NIPT test (non-invasive prenatal test) is essentially a blood test. The purpose of the test is to detect the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities and it tests for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). A blood sample is taken from the pregnant woman's arm. The test can be performed from week 10 + 0 until the end of pregnancy.

The more information expectant mothers have about the health of their child, the easier the experience of giving birth will be. The chances of defects and genetic diseases are less likely if the test does not detect signs of defects in the DNA. This can give the future parent peace of mind.

Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is available to all pregnant women in Norway, and anyone who wishes can book an appointment at our clinics throughout Norway. The usual prenatal care you receive from your doctor or gynecologist will not be affected whether you choose to take this test or not.

This is how a NIPT test works.

The NIPT test samples tiny pieces of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the placenta in a pregnant woman's blood. Some DNA flows into the bloodstream when these cells die and break down.

There are tiny pieces of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in a pregnant woman's blood. When these cells die and break down, small pieces of DNA flow into the bloodstream. The NIPT test samples these microscopic parts.

This is how a NIPT test is conducted.

The NIPT test involves a quick blood sampling with a syringe, and it is completely safe for you and the baby. You simply fold up your sleeves at the clinic. Then the lab will look at the cfDNA in your blood and determine if there are any signs of abnormalities.

We send the blood sample to Sweden where we cooperate with the laboratory Life Genomics AB in Gothenburg and Edda Labs which established the NIPT school. They have several years of experience with NIPT analysis as the test has been in use in Sweden for many years.

The test result at NIPT is usually available within 10-12 days of your first visit to the clinic.

How to read the NIPT test results?

NIPT is a screening test for the most common chromosomal defects in the fetus. The test can predict whether the risk of a genetic condition is high or low -- in other words, it's a screening test and won't give you a “yes” or “no” answer about genetic defects. If the NIPT results reveal a high probability of a trisomy, it is important to confirm these findings with a placenta or amniocentesis to provide a definitive answer.

Who can get on NIPT tests?

In 2020, a majority agreement in Parliament passed amendments to the Biotechnology Act. These changes mean, among other things, that it is now allowed to perform NIPT for all pregnant women.

NIPT school - learn more about the test.

It is important for us that the pregnant woman who wants NIPT is well informed about what such a test is, what it entails, its limitations and what consequences an answer can produce. Therefore, those who want to take a NIPT test must complete some online courses about the NIPT test — This is what we call NIPT School. Here you will learn in more detail what NIPT is, safety around the test and reliability. The NIPT school is free and you can log in securely with bank ID. The NIPT school takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

You can book an appointment for NIPT tests in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Haugesund.

Women who wish can now order a NIPT test at all Klinikk Hausken departments in Norway. Use the booking form below or use our live chat.