Results are sent solely to the doctor who requested the test 7 to 10 days after the LNS receives your blood sample. They are never sent directly to patients.
In the event of a:
Positive result:
This means there is a high probability that the foetus has trisomy 21, 13 or 18. Nevertheless, NIPT is a screening test and the relevant professional bodies recommend having a positive NIPT result confirmed by way of an invasive diagnostic test (primarily an amniotic fluid test). Your gynaecologist will talk you through the results and next steps.
The cytogenetics team will analyse the sample of amniotic fluid taken and interpret the results. You may also be asked to attend a genetic consultation with our team.
Negative result:
This means that the probability of the foetus having trisomy 21, 13 or 18 is very low. In this case, your pregnancy will be monitored as planned.
Inconclusive result:
This means that it is not possible to reliably determine if the foetus has trisomy 13, 18 or 21. Inconclusive results are rare (around 3% of cases), but may occur for example when there is not enough cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) circulating in the blood sample taken from the mother. The proportion of cffDNA in the mother’s blood is known as the foetal fraction and is determined by many factors, including her BMI, if she is taking certain blood thinners, etc. Depending on your medical history, your gynaecologist may recommend you repeat the test or have further tests done.
Under no circumstances does having NIPT mean you do not have to go to your prenatal scans or attend check-ups with your obstetrician. This test is not a substitute for having your 1st trimester scan.