“Your baby is perfectly alright.”
This is the phrase every expectant parent hopes to hear during routine prenatal checkups and scans. Unfortunately, not everyone receives that reassurance.
Sometimes, ultrasound scans or screening tests may show that the baby is at higher risk for certain conditions, including genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
In such cases, doctors may recommend advanced prenatal tests like NIPT, CVS, or Amniocentesis to assess the baby’s risk more accurately.
This blog covers everything you need to know about NIPT, CVS, and Amniocentesis, including the difference between them. If you’re asking yourself, “Should I do NIPT or amniocentesis or CVS?”, we’ve got you covered.
What is the NIPT Test?
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a safe, and simple blood test that is carried out from 10 weeks of pregnancy. It assess the baby’s risk of common chromosomal abnormalities, such as:- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Trisomy 18
- Trisomy 13
- Sex chromosome conditions
What is Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic, invasive prenatal test that is carried out between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. A small amount of amniotic fluid sample is collected using a thin needle under ultrasound guidance.
This fluid contains crucial information about the baby and is used to test for various abnormalities including:
- Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g Down syndrome)
- Genetic conditions (e.g sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease)
- Neural tube defects (e.g spina bifida)
Amniocentesis is a definitive diagnosis test and is around 99% accurate in detecting chromosomal and genetic conditions. However, Amniocentesis also have certain limitations including 0.1% risk of miscarriage and maternal composites including abdominal cramps, infections and leakage of amniotic fluid in rare cases.
What is CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling)?
CVS or Chorionic Villus Sampling is a diagnostic test that is performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.
This procedure insoles collecting a small sample of the placental tissue called chorionic villi that has crucial information about the baby. This test is done to detect genetic and chromosomal abilities such as down syndrome and birth defects.
However, CVS test has certain limitations including a risk of 0.1% of miscarriage. It cannot detect all chromosomal and genetic issues such as detecting neural tube defects. Like amniocentesis, it carries a small risk of miscarriage (~0.1%).
NIPT vs CVS vs Amniocentesis:
Factors | NIPT | Amniocentesis | CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive / Non-invasive | Non-invasive | Invasive | Invasive |
| Type of Test | Screening test | Diagnostic test | Diagnostic test |
| Accuracy | ~99% for screening Down syndrome | ~99% for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities | ~99% for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities |
| When is it done? | From 10 weeks of pregnancy | Between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy | Between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy |
| What it detects / screens for |
| Wide range of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities | Wide range of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities |
| Risk of Miscarriage | None | 0.1% | ~0.1% |
| Maternal Complications | None |
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| Limitations |
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| When to Consider? |
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Which Test Should I Opt For?
Now that you’re aware of the differences between NIPT, Amniocentesis, and CVS, choosing the right test depends entirely on your medical condition, scan findings, and risk factors.
It is strongly recommended to consult with a fetal medicine specialist. They are highly trained in managing high-risk pregnancies. They can help you understand your baby’s health in detail and guide you in making confident, informed decisions about prenatal testing.
Dr. Deepthi Jammi is one of the most experienced fetal medicine specialists in Chennai. At Jammi Scans, we have successfully performed over 8,000 prenatal diagnostic tests to rule out abnormalities.
Dr. Deepthi Jammi is known for her expertise in guiding expectant mothers—especially those with high-risk pregnancies, through complex decisions. She also provides personalized counselling to help couples understand their test results, clarify any concerns, and choose the best next steps for their pregnancy journey.
Why Choose Jammi Scans?
- Led by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, renowned fetal medicine specialist and gynecologist with 15+ years of experience
- Over 40,000 successful anomaly scans performed
- ISO 9001:2015-NABCB -accredited, ensuring top-quality standards
- Immediate, clear, and detail-oriented reports
- In-depth counselling after scans in private consultation rooms for personalised care
- Clean, and hygienic restrooms
- Easy appointment scheduling with minimal waiting time
- Conveniently located in T.Nagar with excellent connectivity options
