Introduction
Pregnancy scans and blood tests are vital for monitoring the baby’s well-being closely, they can also be overwhelming for expectant parents. Thus, most parents have so many questions about pregnancy scans and blood tests. One such common doubt that most expectant parents have is the difference between NT scan vs NIPT.
In short, the NT scan is recommended for all pregnant mothers to assess the baby’s risk of chromosomal abnormalities, while NIPT is recommended only for mothers at high risk.
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What is the NT Scan?
- NT scan Abbreviation: NT scan stands for Nuchal Translucency scan.
- When the NT Scan is done? – Between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Procedure
Ultrasound: The NT scan is an ultrasound scan that measures the nuchal fold thickness (the fluid filled space in the back of the baby’s neck).
The normal range of NT measurement is around 3 mm. Anything over 3 mm requires further intervention.
Dual Marker test: NT scan is often combined with dual marker test. This checks for two hormones:
- Free Beta hCG
- PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A).
What it checks? – Assess the baby’s risk of having chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and Patau syndrome.
Other benefits – The healthcare provider also checks for the baby’s heartbeat, growth and measurements, offering reassurance to expectant parents.
Why it matters? – NT scan is a routine first-trimester scan that is recommended to all pregnant mothers as it gives an early estimate of the baby’s risk.
Accuracy of NT scan – NT scan on its own is around 70-80% and the accuracy goes up to 90-95% when combined with Dual Marker test.
NIPT Test
NIPT Abbreviation
NIPT stands for Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT).
What is NIPT?
NIPT is a non-invasive test that just requires a blood sample.
When is NIPT done?
Carried out anytime after 10 weeks of pregnancy.
What does NIPT check for?
Looks at small fragments of the baby’s DNA present in the mother’s blood to check for conditions such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Trisomy 18.
Accuracy of NIPT: Up to 99% accurate in assessing Down syndrome and slightly less accurate for other abnormalities such as Trisomy 18.
NT Scan Vs NIPT – The Key Differences
| Aspect | NT Scan | NIPT |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ultrasound Scan | Blood test |
| Timeframe | 11–14 weeks | From 10 weeks onwards |
| Checks for | Nuchal fold thickness | Small fragments of baby’s DNA (cell-free fetal DNA) |
| Accuracy | 70–80% (about 90–95% when combined with Dual Marker test) | Up to 99% in assessing Down syndrome |
| Also checks for | Baby’s heartbeat and measurements | Assesses only the risk of chromosomal abnormalities |
| Result type | Estimation of risk | Reliable result (screening for chromosomal risk) |
| Result availability | Immediately after the scan | 7–14 days after the test |
| Ideal for | All pregnancies | Often recommended for high-risk pregnancies |
| Next Steps (if reports are abnormal) | NIPT, CVS or Amniocentesis depending on the doctor’s advice | Confirmatory tests such as Amniocentesis or CVS depending on the doctor’s advice |
| Cost | ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 | ₹15,000–₹25,000 |
| Limitations | Can only assess the risk and requires confirmatory tests. | Cannot show baby’s heartbeat or anatomy |
Is it necessary to take both NIPT and NT Scan?
It is not necessary for all pregnant mothers to take both NIPT and NT scans. However, if you are at high risk of chromosomal abnormalities or if your doctor recommends it, it is important to get both tests done.
Conclusion
Choosing between the two tests, NIPT vs NT scan can be exhausting, but each test serves a different purpose, and together they provide a more comprehensive look at your baby’s health.
Hence, it is always best to discuss your options with your healthcare provider as they can assess your individual risk factors, and medical history, before recommending the most suitable test for you.
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Choose Jammi Scans to give your baby the best possible care. As one of the most trusted pregnancy scan centres in Chennai, Jammi Scans is led by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, the best pregnancy scan expert in Chennai.
Dr. Deepthi Jammi personally guides each scan and helps parents understand important choices, like NIPT vs NT scan, with clarity and care. Call 7338771733 to book your appointment today.
