non-invasive prenatal testing guidelines

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a safe and effective method used during pregnancy to screen for certain genetic conditions in the fetus, such as Down syndrome. It analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA found in the mother's blood. Medical guidelines recommend offering NIPT to women who are at higher risk due to factors like age or family history. It’s typically done after the 10th week of pregnancy, and while it has high accuracy, it’s a screening tool, not a diagnostic one, meaning further testing may be needed for confirmation if results are positive.