Common percept NIPT questions
Common percept NIPT questions
What is NIPT?
As a baby grows, the placenta releases small fragments of DNA known as ‘cell-free fetal DNA’ (cfDNA) into the mother's bloodstream. This cfDNA from the placenta can be sequenced.
If the baby has a chromosome condition, there will be an increase or decrease in the amount of this cfDNA sequence. For example, if the baby has Down syndrome, (an extra copy of chromosome 21), there will be an increase in the amount of cfDNA sequence from chromosome 21.
NIPT is a more accurate type of screening test for Down syndrome than maternal serum screening (MSS). NIPT also looks for a much wider range of chromosome conditions than MSS.
However, NIPT is more expensive and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. MSS is a very good screening test which is less expensive and partially covered by Medicare.
Some women choose to have MSS as their first test and then follow up with NIPT only if they receive a ‘screen positive’ result from MSS. Many women choose just to have NIPT.
If you have NIPT as the first test, you do not need MSS as well. We recommend all women have a 12 week ultrasound scan to provide information about the structural development of the baby.
If you're thinking about percept NIPT, or have had screening with percept already, you can contact our prenatal screening team with any questions.
Test results
percept results are usually available from your doctor 3-5 working days after your sample arrives at VCGS (not from when it was collected). We are unable to give your results directly to you, but our team is happy to discuss results with you once you receive them from your doctor.
percept screening results are reported as:
Low risk
Most results will be low risk. This means it is very unlikely the pregnancy is affected by one of the specific conditions screened for. There is always the chance that the result is a ‘false negative’, but this is very rare. Low risk does not mean ‘no risk’. Other conditions not identified by NIPT may be present.
High risk (increased chance)
A high risk result does not mean the pregnancy is definitely affected by a particular condition. It means there is an increased chance. There is always a chance that the screening result is a ‘false positive’. Diagnostic testing will be offered to confirm the result or to reassure that the pregnancy is not affected.
No result
percept test failure rates are very low (<0.2%). They sometimes occur if there is not enough cfDNA to test, or if the sample was poor quality. In this case, the laboratory will request a repeat sample for testing at no additional charge.
Receiving a high chance result does not mean your pregnancy definitely has a chromosome condition; it means there is an increased chance. For all high chance results, a VCGS genetic counsellor will contact your referring doctor to discuss further testing options, such as diagnostic testing (using a CVS or amniocentesis).
Remember, screening tests do not provide a definitive (yes or no) answer. Diagnostic testing is the only way to confirm the presence of a chromosome condition or to reassure a pregnancy is not affected.
All percept samples are processed as urgent. Results are usually sent to your doctor 3- 5 working days from when your sample arrived at VCGS (not from when it was collected).
You can contact our prenatal screening team with any questions about your percept NIPT result.
Payment
SMS for payment will be sent after your sample arrives at VCGS. This is usually 1-3 working days after you have your blood taken.
Your sample will be tested even if you haven't received the SMS and made your payment.
You can contact our accounts team if you have any questions.