Procedures & Testing
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
This blood test uses cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) found in maternal blood to identify the most common chromosome conditions seen in newborns. This test is the most accurate prenatal screening test for Down syndrome and other syndromes. There is no risk of harm to your baby.
The PERCEPT blood test can be performed any time from 10 weeks of pregnancy, as confirmed by a dating scan. You will get your test results quickly within 10-14 days of blood extraction. NIPT tests are performed by Wellington Obstetrics at our Terrace location.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure where fetal cells from the amniotic fluid are obtained and used to determine whether a fetus’ chromosomes are normal or whether there is a chromosome abnormality present.
Amniocentesis is usually performed after the membrane has fused to the uterine wall, at approximately 15-16 weeks.
Amniotic fluid is the fluid in the uterus that surrounds the fetus. It is mostly made up of the fetus’ urine. As with our skin cells, fetal skin cells are constantly being shed. The amniotic fluid is rich in fetal skin cells and fetal cells lining the lungs and the bladder.
Chorionic Villous Sampling (CVS)
CVS is a prenatal diagnostic procedure where fetal cells from the amniotic fluid are obtained and used to determine whether a fetus’ chromosomes are normal or whether there is a chromosome abnormality present.
CVS are tests carried out during pregnancy most commonly to check your baby for disorders such as Down syndrome and, where appropriate, rarer specific inherited disorders.
CVS involves taking a tiny amount of the developing placenta, where it is attached to the uterus. The placenta contains tissue that is genetically identical to your baby. CVS is performed most commonly between 11 and 14 weeks.
