5 Reasons for Percept NIPT: The gold standard in Prenatal Screening

Reaching the 10-week mark is a significant milestone in any pregnancy journey. Choosing a prenatal screening test is a voluntary but important decision, and the percept NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) has become a preferred choice for families seeking clarity. Developed by the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS), an Australian not-for-profit specialist genetics service, this test offers several distinct advantages for expectant parents.

Here are the top 5 Reasons for Percept NIPT to consider for your prenatal care.

1. Genome-Wide Screening for Comprehensive Clarity

Unlike many other prenatal tests that only look at a few specific chromosomes, percept NIPT is a genome-wide screen.

• All 23 Pairs: It looks for changes across all 23 pairs of chromosomes, providing a more complete picture of genetic health.

• Trisomy Detection: It screens for the three most common chromosome conditions: Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.

• Structural Changes: The test identifies conditions caused by missing or extra pieces of chromosomes, as well as changes to the total number of chromosomes.

2. Early and Accurate Insights

The percept NIPT allows you to gather information about your pregnancy earlier than many traditional screening methods.

• 10-Week Milestone: You can have the blood test anytime from 10 weeks of pregnancy.

• DNA Analysis: The test identifies the chance of a chromosome condition by analysing small pieces of DNA from the pregnancy that circulate in the mother’s blood.

• Fast Turnaround: Most results are available from your doctor within 3–5 working days after the laboratory receives the sample.

3. Safe and Non-Invasive Process

Safety is a primary concern for expectant parents, and the non-invasive aspect of percept NIPT is a major benefit.

• Simple Blood Test: Screening is performed via a standard blood draw, posing no physical risk to the pregnancy.

• Screening vs. Diagnostic: As a screening test, it identifies the chance of a condition, helping families decide if further diagnostic procedures—like amniocentesis or CVS—are truly necessary.

4. Identification of Sex Chromosome Conditions

The percept NIPT goes beyond basic health screenings by looking at the X and Y chromosomes.

• Gender Discovery: Testing these chromosomes can identify the sex of your baby.

• Health Screening: It simultaneously screens for sex chromosome conditions caused by missing or extra X or Y chromosomes.

5. Specialist Clinical Support

Choosing percept NIPT means you are supported by an Australian specialist genetics service.

• Expert Guidance: VCGS offers free comprehensive information and support throughout the testing process.

• Genetic Counselling: A clinical support team and reproductive genetic counsellors are available to discuss your results or any questions you have before or after testing.

• Reliable Re-testing: In the uncommon event that a no result is obtained, a repeat blood sample is tested at no extra cost.

The Specialist Difference: NIPT at Western Imaging for Women

By choosing percept NIPT, you are choosing a highly accurate, genome-wide screen designed to provide clinical clarity during the earliest stages of your pregnancy. At Western Imaging for Women, we integrate this advanced technology into our gold standard clinical model. Unlike general collection centres, our WIFW Team performs a specialist dating and viability scan prior to your percept blood draw. This thorough process confirms the health of your pregnancy first, providing you with immediate professional feedback and protecting you from unnecessary laboratory costs if the pregnancy is not progressing.

Experience the gold standard of specialist care by contacting the Western Imaging for Women team to book your professional percept NIPT and viability scan today.