The blood test for NIPT is sent to the lab when it is drawn from the expectant parent and the results become available within 7–14 business days. Knowing what influences this process can help ease the wait and alleviate stress for expectant parents. The time for NIPT test results depends on several factors: the quality of the sample; the processing volume of the laboratory; and the fetal DNA fraction in the blood sample may be adequate for accurate analysis. This blog provides answers to all the important questions regarding the NIPT result timeline in a straightforward way.
What is NIPT and what makes it different to other DNA testing?
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a blood test that can be done during pregnancy to look at the cell-free fetal DNA in the mother’s blood. Detects chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. When can you get NIPT results? The test can be done prior to 10 weeks of pregnancy and is one of the earliest prenatal genetic screening tests available to pregnant women who want to learn about the genetic information of their developing baby.
NIPT vs Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP)
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What factors might influence the speed of NIPT results?
The NIPT results timeline is not necessarily the same for each patient — a number of variables can affect the speed at which the laboratory can process a sample and provide a result. The expectant parents can understand the reasons why the genetic screening results for them may come sooner or later than the usual timeframe they were told at the time of the screening.
Lab processing, sample quality and testing provider
The amount of fetal DNA fraction (fraction of the cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal blood sample) needs to be at a minimum threshold for accurate analysis. Samples taken prior to 10 weeks may not contain enough fetal DNA, and a second blood sample might need to be taken before processing.
- Laboratory volume and processing schedule – the high-volume periods may cause the turnaround time to be longer than the usual 7-14 business days, especially in large reference laboratories that process thousands of samples.
- Sample shipping and handling time: The physical journey of the blood sample from the collection point to the testing lab incurs additional days to the entire NIPT blood results timeline, beyond the lab processing time.
- The timing of NIPT results — however different laboratories and providers have varying processing schedules, there can still be significant differences in when do NIPT results come back, based on the specific provider and laboratory with which your healthcare provider collaborates for prenatal testing.
What are the possible reasons for delayed NIPT results?
Sometimes the window for the standard genetic screening is passed, and results don’t come and for identifiable, manageable reasons, not because there is something wrong with the pregnancy or the test.
Learn about Delays, Insufficient Fetal DNA, and Repeat Testing.
Low fetal fraction (less than the minimum requirement for laboratory analysis) is the most frequently cited cause of delays in NIPT results. It is more common in early pregnancy, at higher body weights in the mother, and in some chromosomal situations. In these instances, a retest is usually necessary before a new blood test result can be obtained and reported.
What to do if there is a delay in NIPT results or if the results are not available?
If the NIPT test result is delayed or not available, this does not necessarily indicate that the pregnancy is problematic; sometimes the result is a no-call or no-result report. It does not mean that the laboratory has failed to report a result from the specimen submitted, but rather that the sample was not suitable for a reportable result so a repeat testing is recommended, not necessarily a concern.
Meaning of “No Result” or “No Call” Reports
If there is a low percentage of fetal DNA, the result is a no-call NIPT, which means it is not possible to confidently analyze the result, or if the sample was substandard during collection or transport. That impacts on a very small proportion of samples submitted. What is the earliest time you can receive NIPT results after a no call? If there is not enough fetal DNA in the blood for the analysis and report, repeated blood collection (usually 2-3 weeks later) will provide adequate fetal DNA for analysis and reporting.
For expectant parents seeking to safely and accurately confirm a baby’s biological paternity during pregnancy, Face DNA Test provides Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) testing through CLIA-accredited laboratory partners. NIPP testing uses cell-free fetal DNA found in a maternal blood sample to determine biological paternity and is not a screening test for chromosomal disorders. Face DNA Test also offers personal and legal paternity DNA testing, including full chain-of-custody DNA testing services.
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Conclusion
The blood test results are available in 7-14 business days; generally delays are not problematic and can be resolved with another sample being taken. Face DNA Test also offers professional NIPP testing with the support of accredited laboratory standards to expectant parents experiencing paternity issues during their pregnancy. Seek professional assistance early, clarity during pregnancy is beneficial to everyone on the journey.
