The spread of SARS-Cov-2 created several challenges and difficulties. It also changed the lifestyles and health practices of many. Diets, workout techniques, and several other healthy practices are getting popular. There is an increase in different types of tests, especially modern molecular testing techniques. Though tests like RT-PCR have been around, it was never popular. However, today it has become an everyday term.
Here, let us read about a modern non-invasive prenatal screening test (NIPT). This test can detect common chromosomal abnormalities in unborn babies from the 10th week of pregnancy. The technique is known as next-generation sequencing. The entire genetic code is sequenced to find genetic mutations that cause disease and disorders. This test has a screening accuracy of over 99 percent. It is safer than procedures like Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). NIPT is a simple blood test that requires 10ml of the mother’s blood drawn from hand. Results are usually available in a week.
In 2011, NIPT was used only for singleton pregnancies. It is now available as standard prenatal care to women with high-risk pregnancies. NIPT mainly screens for trisomy for chromosomes 21, 18, and 13. Trisomy 21 causes Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and 13 cause Edwards and Patau syndromes, respectively. 1 in every 800 live births is affected by Down Syndrome. Newborns with Edwards or Patau syndromes have shortened life expectancy of about a year. The babies have to face several medical complications as well.
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA)s is extracted from the maternal plasma. It is separated from red cell components of the blood by centrifugation at high speed. Results from NIPT are classified as low-risk or high-risk. NIPT is only a screening test. Therefore, the high-risk results are confirmed with procedures such as Amniocentesis or CVS.
Advantages of NIPT
Early Results – NIPT can be performed at 9–10 weeks of gestation. This gives families enough time for further inquiries and investigations. Early diagnosis can help in making an informed choice.
Accuracy – NIPT can identify trisomy 21, 18, and 13 more accurately than other conventional approaches. Studies have shown that this test can identify trisomy 21 positive cases with 99% accuracy.
Low Risk – NIPT is performed on a simple maternal peripheral blood draw sample. This is non-invasive and low risk, making it safe for all pregnant women. Invasive prenatal tests like Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) can lead to complications.
Why NIPT During COVID?
Invasive procedures pose the risk of infection. Studies have shown that only less than 4% of the NIPT-tested population show a high-risk result. They might require confirmatory tests, which might involve invasive procedures. However, opting for invasive procedures is not safe in a sensitive period like pregnancy.
The pandemic resulted in the spread of fear and anxiety as well. People are worried about visiting hospitals even for minor treatments. Pregnant women and their families will be concerned about tests and scans that could catch an infection in such a situation. In such times, a non-invasive procedure like NIPT becomes the best option.