I have updated information on the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) in the Questions & Answers section of my website.
Since I published on this topic there have been lots of positive developments, especially recently:
- There are more test-provider options and more test-technique options.
- Genea has started doing NIPTing in Australia using (under license) an Illumina testing kit.
- All are now offering sex determination without any extra charge.
- Some providers are also offering chromosome microdeletion checking.
- The cost of the Harmony test and Verifi test has reduced.
- Douglass Hanly Moir (Verifi test) has reduced their price by over $400 and are now offering the NIPT to all pregnant women rather than just those at high risk.
This is an exciting, growing industry and I am convinced there will continue to be positive changes and that NIPT screening will become more popular as the industry matures.
I predict in a relatively short time the Nuchal Translucency Scan (NTS) will no longer be done for Down syndrome screening, as it will have been replaced by the NIPT.
