What are The Various Types of NIPT Tests?

 

The nasal bone and skin fold at the back of the baby's neck is often examined using a blood test at the Private Blood Test Clinic in the UK. Although this procedure is 92% accurate, there is still some room for mistakes.

Although inconclusive, it lessens the need for riskier, more intrusive tests.

The mother's blood begins to include some of the fetus' DNA at week 10 of pregnancy. NIPT involves taking a mother's blood sample, which is subsequently examined for cell-free fetal DNA without endangering the mother or child. Chromosome imbalances in the blood sample might be a sign of a hereditary disorder. The examination will determine the likelihood of genetic anomalies.   

Given below are the various types of NIPT tests offered by Health Care Solutions of the UK.

1. SNP Evaluation

SNPs are genetic variations that exist between people. In order to estimate the copy number, this method for the Prenatal screening test in the UK establishes the genetic differences between parent and child DNA as well as the relative dosage of genetic variation. Using certain SNP targets, cfDNA is amplified by PCR. These targets are sequenced, and both the mother's and the child's allele distributions are discovered. Unusual allele frequencies are detected using an algorithm.

2. Analysis Using Microarray

A microarray, which is an assemblage of tiny DNA sections affixed to a solid surface, is employed in this kind of NIPT. After being amplified by PCR, fluorescent probe-tagged cfDNA fragments attach to corresponding sequences on the NIPT microarray. The relative amount of DNA and the target's presence or absence are both indicated by the binding location and light intensity, respectively. Aneuploidy is indicated by variations from predicted fluorescence numbers.

3. Circular Rolling Amplification

Specific cfDNA fragments that attach to a circular template and reproduce via rolling mechanisms are the goal of rolling circle amplification. The replicas of rolling circles are tallied and fluorescently branded. Aneuploidy is indicated by variations from predicted fluorescence numbers. If you like, you may also go for the Harmony Prenatal Test in the UK. 

 

You may find it helpful in deciding whether to have a non-invasive prenatal screening test to speak with a genetic counsellor. In the UK, genetic testing is called genetic counselling. Genetic counsellors are medical professionals who are trained to review the risks, restrictions, and benefits of screening and diagnostic testing, as well as what it might mean for a family if test results are alarming for a condition. Despite the fact that the majority of children are delivered healthy, it's crucial to keep in mind that every pregnancy carries a 3-5% chance of birth abnormalities.

 

Also Read: Most asked questions on NIPT and Their Answers