Question 1

Who can take the NIPT by GenePlanet test?

Accepted Answer

The test is available for any woman who wants to have calmer pregnancy.

It is especially recommended:

If the woman is 35 years old or older.
If the results of other first trimester screening tests indicate an increased risk of aneuploidy.
If there is a personal or family history of chromosomal conditions.

The test is also suitable for:

twin pregnancies
in vitro fertilisation
pregnancies with a donated egg cell

Because we want to assure the quality service, some patients that have conditions that can influence the result accuracy, are not suitable to perform the test. Therefore the NIPT test is not suitable for you, if you have had:

stem cell therapy (except of autologous)
maternal organ transplant
some changes in maternal karyotype
active cancer

Question 2

What does the NIPT by GenePlanet test tell me?

Accepted Answer

The NIPT by GenePlanet test determines the risk of the baby having any of the tested chromosomal abnormalities. Although NIPT by GenePlanet has 99.02% sensitivity for the three most common trisomies (Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome), it is still a screening test. As such, it cannot tell with a 100% certainty that your baby does or does not have any of the conditions. The extended test options also provide testing for sex chromosome aneuploidies, other autosomal trisomies (T9, T16, T22), and 92 deletion and duplication syndromes. If you wish to know, the NIPT by GenePlanet can also reveal gender with a 98% sensitivity.

Question 3

How does the NIPT by GenePlanet test work?

Accepted Answer

The test analyses cell-free fetal DNA present in the mother's blood during pregnancy. By taking a small maternal blood sample, the test analyses this cell-free fetal DNA on genetic sequencing machines to determine if any of the tested chromosomal abnormalities are present. For more information, please read our article 'Science behind NIPT by GenePlanet' in the "Library" tab.

Question 4

How reliable is the NIPT by GenePlanet test?

Accepted Answer

Our test is 99.02% sensitive for the detection of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. This sensitivity was validated based on two independent external validation studies. It is important to note that NIPT by GenePlanet is a screening test and does not test with a 100% sensitivity like an invasive diagnostic procedure (e.g. amniocentesis).

Question 5

What’s the difference between a diagnostic and a screening test?

Accepted Answer

A diagnostic test tests with 100% accuracy and tells you whether a certain condition is present or not. The major disadvantage of prenatal diagnostic methods, such as amniocentesis, is that they carry the risk of miscarriage. Screening tests indicate the risk of having a chromosomal condition, and while highly accurate, they do not test with a 100% accuracy. NIPT by GenePlanet is a screening test, so despite a very high sensitivity (99.02%) for the detection of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome, it is not a diagnostic test. NIPT by GenePlanet's main advantage over a diagnostic test is that it is 100% safe for both the mother and the fetus.

Question 6

How much does the NIPT by GenePlanet test cost?

Accepted Answer

The price of the test varies depending on your country and your healthcare provider. Please contact your healthcare provider for more information. If you are not sure where your nearest NIPT by GenePlanet test provider is located, please contact us via the contact form on our website.

Question 7

What do I do if I get a high-risk result?

Accepted Answer

You should always review your results with your healthcare provider. We advise that in the event of a high-risk result, you undertake a confirmatory diagnostic testing.

Question 8

Where can I do the NIPT by GenePlanet test?

Accepted Answer

The NIPT by GenePlanet is available at many providers all over the world. You can also contact us on nipt@geneplanet.com.

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