FETAL DNA (NIPT) TEST IN BEYLİKDÜZÜ

Safe, Accurate, and Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Screening

What Is the NIPT Test?

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), also known as the Fetal DNA test or cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) test, is an advanced prenatal screening method designed to provide early, accurate, and risk-free insights into your baby’s genetic health. It analyzes tiny fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood to detect potential chromosomal abnormalities safely and effectively.

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In Beylikdüzü, the NIPT test is offered at several reputable hospitals, women’s health clinics, and specialized genetic laboratories. Unlike traditional invasive procedures, NIPT requires only a small blood sample taken from the mother’s arm, with no risk to the baby or mother.

How Does the NIPT Test Work?

During pregnancy, fragments of the baby’s DNA — known as cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) — pass from the placenta into the mother’s bloodstream. From the 10th week of pregnancy, there is sufficient fetal DNA in the mother’s blood to enable accurate genetic analysis.

In Beylikdüzü’s modern genetic laboratories, these DNA fragments are analyzed using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. This method assesses the baby’s chromosomes for abnormalities such as extra or missing copies and provides an accurate risk assessment for genetic conditions.

Results are typically available within 7–10 days, while some laboratories in Beylikdüzü provide express testing services that deliver results within 3–5 days.

What Conditions Can the NIPT Test Detect?

Major Chromosomal Abnormalities

NIPT detects the most common chromosomal abnormalities with high accuracy:

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21): Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21; detection rate exceeds 99%.
Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18): Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18; detection accuracy around 97%.
Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13): Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13; detection accuracy above 90%.

Sex Chromosome Abnormalities

The test can also detect abnormalities involving the sex chromosomes, such as:

Turner Syndrome (45,X)
Klinefelter Syndrome (47,XXY)
Triple X Syndrome (47,XXX)
Jacobs Syndrome (47,XYY)

Extended Genetic Panels

Some advanced laboratories in Beylikdüzü offer expanded NIPT panels that detect additional chromosomal disorders and microdeletions, including DiGeorge, Prader-Willi, and Angelman syndromes. Your doctor can help determine whether these extended tests are suitable for your pregnancy.

When Should the NIPT Test Be Done?

The NIPT test can be performed from the 10th week of pregnancy onward. At this stage, the concentration of fetal DNA in the maternal bloodstream is sufficient for accurate testing. The test can also be conducted later in pregnancy, including the second and third trimesters, without affecting accuracy or safety.

Who Should Consider NIPT?

While NIPT is suitable for all pregnant women, it is particularly recommended for:

Women aged 35 years or older
Pregnant women with abnormal first-trimester screening results
Pregnancies achieved through IVF (in vitro fertilization)
Families with a history of chromosomal or genetic disorders
Expectant mothers with abnormal ultrasound findings
Parents wishing to avoid invasive diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or CVS
Carriers of balanced chromosomal rearrangements

Advantages of the NIPT Test

Extremely Accurate: Over 99% accuracy for Down syndrome and other major trisomies.
Completely Safe: Requires only a maternal blood sample; no harm to mother or baby.
Early Results: Can be performed as early as week 10.
Determines Gender: Baby’s sex can be identified accurately upon request.
Less Anxiety: Fewer false positives reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures.
Simple and Quick: No fasting required; a painless blood draw completed in minutes.

Limitations of the NIPT Test

Although NIPT is highly reliable, it remains a screening rather than a diagnostic test.

A positive (high-risk) result indicates a higher probability of a chromosomal abnormality but does not confirm it. Diagnostic confirmation with amniocentesis or CVS is required.
NIPT does not detect all genetic disorders, such as single-gene mutations or neural tube defects.
In some cases, the test may fail to produce results due to low fetal DNA levels, more common in early pregnancy or in women with higher body mass index (BMI).
It can be used for twin pregnancies, though accuracy may be slightly lower than in single pregnancies.

How Is the NIPT Test Performed?

Before the Test:
Your obstetrician or genetic counselor will explain what the test covers, what the results mean, and what follow-up steps might be required. Many clinics in Beylikdüzü provide counseling services before and after the test.

During the Test:
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The procedure is simple, quick, and requires no fasting or special preparation.

After the Test:
The blood sample is sent to an accredited genetic laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within 7–10 business days, and your doctor will interpret the findings with you.

Understanding the Results

Low-Risk (Negative) Result:
Indicates that your baby is unlikely to have any of the tested chromosomal abnormalities. Routine prenatal care continues as usual.

High-Risk (Positive) Result:
Suggests an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality. Diagnostic confirmation through amniocentesis or CVS is recommended.

Inconclusive Result:
Occurs when fetal DNA levels in the sample are insufficient for accurate analysis. Retesting after 1–2 weeks often resolves the issue.

NIPT Test Cost in Beylikdüzü

Basic NIPT tests: 12,500 – 14,000 TL
Extended panels: 15,000 – 18,000 TL

Prices vary depending on the laboratory, technology used, and delivery time of results. Some premium centers in Beylikdüzü charge slightly higher fees for faster results or expanded panels.

Insurance Coverage:
NIPT is not covered by the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK). However, certain private health insurance providers may cover part or all of the cost, depending on policy terms.

Where to Get NIPT in Beylikdüzü

The test is widely available at:

Private hospitals and maternity clinics
Specialized genetic diagnostic laboratories
University-affiliated hospitals with prenatal units

Medical facilities in Beylikdüzü comply with international testing standards and employ experienced professionals to ensure accurate, reliable results.

Comparison with Other Prenatal Tests

Double and Triple Screening Tests:
Traditional screening methods remain in use but have lower accuracy and higher false-positive rates compared to NIPT.

Ultrasound (Nuchal Translucency Measurement):
Ultrasound is essential for structural evaluation and growth monitoring of the fetus. NIPT complements ultrasound but does not replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NIPT mandatory?
No, it’s optional and based on your personal preference.

Can NIPT determine the baby’s gender?
Yes, it can identify the baby’s gender with nearly 100% accuracy as early as the 10th week.

Does NIPT replace amniocentesis?
No, it’s a screening test, not a diagnostic one.

Is fasting required?
No fasting or special preparation is needed before the test.

Can twins be tested?
Yes, though the accuracy is slightly lower than in single pregnancies.

When will results be ready?
Typically within 7–10 days; express results may be available in 3–5 days.

Final Thoughts

The Fetal DNA (NIPT) Test in Beylikdüzü offers a safe, non-invasive, and highly accurate method for assessing your baby’s genetic health early in pregnancy. With no risk to mother or baby, and with the ability to detect major chromosomal conditions, NIPT has become a cornerstone of modern prenatal care.

In Beylikdüzü’s advanced medical facilities, experienced obstetricians and genetic specialists ensure that testing meets international standards of safety and precision. By combining NIPT with regular ultrasounds and professional medical guidance, families can enjoy peace of mind throughout pregnancy.