NIPT (non-invasive prenatal test)
Down syndrome due to trisomy 21 (an extra chromosome 21) and the most common other chromosomal abnormalities. Edward syndrome (an extra chromosome 18) and Pateau syndrome (an extra chromosome 13) can also be determined by analysing DNA originating from the baby and circulating in the mom’s blood. This entails a blood specimen from the mom. There are different variations of this test.
The main disadvantage is the cost, which is not reimbursed by all medical aids. Though very accurate, it cannot completely replace an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sample. The DNA tests can be done from 10 weeks. Our recommendation is to perform an ultrasound examination at 12 weeks to help determine whether the DNA test is the most appropriate for you.
If you prefer having the DNA test done before 12 weeks, please arrange this through your gynaecologist.
If you would like to know more, please read this info, contact us, or browse the site of a provider such as Natera or Next Genetics. The latter also has an instructive video about the DNA test. There is also a useful app, called NIPT Insights, available on Google Play or in the App Store.
NIPT (Non-invasive prenatal test) ni ugonjwa wa Down unaosababishwa na trisomy 21 (kromosomu ya ziada ya 21) na kasoro nyingine za kawaida za kromosomu. Ugonjwa wa Edward (kromosomu ya 18 ya ziada) na ugonjwa wa Pateau (kromosomu ya 13 ya ziada) pia unaweza kuamuliwa kwa kuchanganua DNA inayotokana na mtoto na kuzunguka katika damu ya mama. Hii inahusisha sampuli ya damu kutoka kwa mama. Kuna tofauti tofauti za mtihani huu. Hasara kuu ni gharama, ambayo haipatikani na vifaa vyote vya matibabu. Ingawa ni sahihi sana, haiwezi kuchukua mahali pa amniocentesis au sampuli ya chorionic villus. Uchunguzi wa DNA unaweza kufanywa baada ya wiki 10. Kwa hivyo, tunapendekeza kufanya uchunguzi wa ultrasound katika wiki 12 ili kusaidia kuamua ikiwa mtihani wa DNA ni sahihi kwako. Ikiwa unataka kufanya mtihani wa DNA kabla ya wiki 12, tafadhali panga hii kupitia daktari wako wa wanawake. Ikiwa unataka kujua zaidi, tafadhali soma habari hii, wasiliana nasi, au angalia tovuti ya mtoa huduma kama vile Natera au Next Genetics. Mwisho pia una video ya kufundisha kuhusu mtihani wa DNA. Kwa mfano, kuna programu inayoitwa NIPT Insights ambayo inapatikana kwenye Google Play au App Store.