What is the Difference Between NIPT and Conventional Screening?
Although NIPT and conventional screening tests are used for the same purpose—namely, to evaluate the risk of certain chromosomal diseases during pregnancy—their working principles are different.
NIPT
- Analyzes the cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal blood.
- Provides higher accuracy, especially for Trisomy 21, 18, and 13.
- It is a more advanced screening method.
Conventional Screening
- Risk is calculated based on biochemical markers in the maternal blood and ultrasound findings.
- The accuracy rate is lower compared to NIPT.
Key Difference
NIPT offers a more targeted and sensitive assessment for chromosomal diseases. However, both methods are screening tests; they do not provide a definitive diagnosis.