Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

6-minute read

Key facts

  • The non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) screens your baby for genetic health conditions.
  • You may want to consider genetic counselling before having an NIPT to help you make an informed decision.
  • If your NIPT result shows that your baby is likely to have a chromosomal difference, a diagnostic test such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis can confirm your result.

What is the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)?

The non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) is a very accurate screening test. Screening tests are used to see if your baby has a high chance of a genetic health condition. These conditions include Down syndrome and other chromosomal differences. The NIPT involves a simple blood test that is done in your first trimester of pregnancy.

There are different kinds of prenatal testing available to check the health of your baby. It’s your choice if you would like to have these tests. Talk about your options with your doctor or genetic counsellor and give yourself some time to make your decision.

Screening tests are different to diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests are often more invasive. However they confirm for certain if the result is positive.

During pregnancy, some of the baby’s DNA passes into your bloodstream. The non-invasive prenatal test analyses the genetic information contained in this DNA. It’s used to screen for a number of genetic conditions. The test is particularly sensitive to Down syndrome. It was first offered in Australia in 2012.

In Australia, NIPTs are offered in private centres and involve an out-of-pocket cost. They are sometimes referred to by different names, depending on the company that makes them. They might be called: Harmony, Generation or Percept.

An NIPT is done from 10 weeks into the pregnancy. Before the test you will be asked to give consent.

What does it test for?

The NIPT is a safe and very effective way of screening for certain conditions. These include:

Some laboratories also test the sex of your baby and look for differences with the sex chromosomes.

The test identifies many chromosomal anomalies. It doesn’t screen for genetic disorders such as:

Screening will tell you how likely it is that your baby has a chromosomal difference. The only way of knowing for sure is to have a diagnostic test such as:

Should I have an NIPT?

The NIPT is very sensitive. It picks up more than 99% of cases of Down syndrome. But it is a screening test rather than a diagnostic test.

It can tell you whether there is an increased chance of having a baby with a genetic condition. It doesn’t give you a definitive answer. For some parents, information from screening tests can help them decide about whether to have diagnostic testing.

You might choose to have an NIPT test if:

  • Your first trimester combined screening test shows you have an increased chance of having a baby with Down syndrome (this test combines results from a blood test at 10 to 12 weeks and an ultrasound at 11 to 13 weeks).
  • You did not have the first trimester combined screening test because it was too late or the test wasn't available in your area.
  • You want to understand your chance of having a baby with Down syndrome before considering diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or CVS.
  • You have an increased chance of having a baby with Down syndrome because you are older or you or your partner already have a baby with Down syndrome or another genetic condition.

It’s a good idea to consider genetic counselling before you have an NIPT to help you make an informed decision. It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of having the test.

Genetic counsellors can:

  • review your family and medical history
  • give you information about genetic tests
  • help you learn about how the condition is inherited
  • offer advice on support services

If your pregnancy is affected by a genetic condition, your genetic counsellor can:

  • help support you
  • help you understand what the results mean for you and your family

What can I expect from my NIPT results?

It can take up to 2 weeks to get the result of your NIPT.

If your NIPT result shows that your baby is likely to have a chromosomal difference, a diagnostic test such as: CVS or amniocentesis can confirm the result.

You should discuss your options with your doctor, midwife or genetic counsellor.

How much does the NIPT cost?

The NIPT is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia. You can expect to pay about $400 to $500 for an NIPT.

You may also need to pay for: an appointment with your doctor to get a referral, as well as an ultrasound.

Where can I get more information?

You should speak with your doctor or a genetic counsellor before getting an NIPT. You can find genetic counselling services near you using the healthdirect Service Finder here.

You can read more about genetic counselling here.

If you have any questions about the NIPT, you can call the Pregnancy Birth and Baby helpline.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: September 2022


Back To Top

Need more information?

Maternal screening | Pathology Tests Explained

The maternal serum screening tests involve the measurement of different pregnancy-associated hormones, which are found in all pregnancies. 

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Prenatal screening (genetic screening in pregnancy)

Prenatal screening tests assess the chance of some medical problems your baby may have. Your healthcare provider can help decide if they're a good idea.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

First trimester

The first trimester (3 months) of your pregnancy can be a very exciting time. Find out changes to your body and how to stay healthy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Antenatal tests: chromosomal anomalies | Raising Children Network

Antenatal tests can tell you if your baby has chromosomal anomalies or other conditions. Your health professional can help you make choices about these tests.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

A guide to blood tests in pregnancy | Know Pathology Know Healthcare

The following guide outlines the different pathology tests available throughout each trimester, and the purpose of your prenatal blood tests.

Read more on Know Pathology Know Healthcare website

Screening for Down syndrome

Down syndrome is a common chromosomal disorder. Find out about the screening and diagnostic tests to detect the condition before your baby is born.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Checkups, scans and tests during pregnancy

Handy infographic that shows what you can expect and what you might be offered at each antenatal appointment during your pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Second trimester

During the second trimester, your baby’s organs will develop and they will start to hear sounds. Any morning sickness will likely ease off around this time.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Prenatal Screening for Chromosomal and Genetic Conditions

Our genetic material, or DNA, is organised into 46 packages called chromosomes. Some people are born with too many or not enough chromosomes, which can affect their health and learning. Smaller changes in the DNA can also occur within a chromosome, resulting in a variety of genetic conditions.

Read more on RANZCOG - Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website

Nuchal translucency scan

A nuchal translucency scan is an ultrasound scan that helps in work out your risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormality like Down syndrome.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.