Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a screening method used during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. These tests analyze cell-free DNA from the fetus that circulates in the pregnant person’s blood. For instance, NIPT can screen for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).
Access to prenatal care, including advanced screening options, is crucial for informed decision-making during pregnancy. NIPT offers the benefit of high accuracy and can reduce the need for more invasive procedures like amniocentesis, which carry a small risk of miscarriage. Historically, access to advanced screening technologies has been influenced by factors such as insurance coverage and socioeconomic status, leading to disparities in prenatal care.