NIPT Test in Kolkata | Home Collection & NABL-Certified Results

Apollo Diagnostics | NABL-Certified Lab | No Fasting Required | Genetic Counselling Available

What is a NIPT Test?

The NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test), also known as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening, is a sophisticated prenatal blood test that analyses small fragments of placental DNA circulating in the pregnant woman's bloodstream. These cell-free fetal DNA fragments make up approximately 10–20% of the total cfDNA in maternal blood and carry the genetic information of the developing baby. NIPT offers a safe and highly accurate way to screen for specific chromosomal abnormalities as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy — with no risk to the mother or baby.

✓ No fasting required — NIPT requires only a simple maternal blood draw. It is non-invasive and carries no risk of miscarriage — unlike diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). The test can be performed from 10 weeks of gestation onwards.

The Clinical Benefits of NIPT

NIPT is widely regarded as a breakthrough in prenatal care because of its precision and safety:

• Unmatched Accuracy — detection rate above 99% for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), significantly higher than traditional Double Marker or Triple Marker screening
• Zero Risk to Pregnancy — only a simple maternal blood draw; no needles near the baby, no risk of miscarriage
• Comprehensive Screening — screens for Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, sex chromosome abnormalities and (in advanced panels) microdeletion syndromes
• Early Insights — results available as early as 10 weeks, giving parents more time for genetic counselling and clinical planning
• Fetal Sex Determination — NIPT can identify fetal sex chromosomes (XX or XY). Note: reporting of fetal sex is regulated under Indian law (PNDT Act) and is not reported in India.

What Conditions Does NIPT Screen For?

Condition	Chromosomal Cause	Clinical Features
Down Syndrome	Trisomy 21 (extra chromosome 21)	Intellectual disability, characteristic facial features, heart defects
Edwards Syndrome	Trisomy 18 (extra chromosome 18)	Severe intellectual disability, organ malformations; often fatal in infancy
Patau Syndrome	Trisomy 13 (extra chromosome 13)	Severe brain, heart and organ defects; often fatal in infancy
Turner Syndrome	Monosomy X (45,X)	Short stature, infertility, heart defects in females
Klinefelter Syndrome	XXY	Male hypogonadism, infertility, learning difficulties
Triple X Syndrome	XXX	Usually mild; tall stature, learning difficulties in females
Jacob's Syndrome	XYY	Usually mild; tall stature in males
Microdeletion Syndromes (advanced panels)	Small deletions of chromosomal segments	DiGeorge, Prader-Willi, Angelman, Wolf-Hirschhorn syndromes

NIPT vs Double Marker vs Amniocentesis — Key Differences

Choosing the right prenatal test for your situation:

• Double Marker Test (11–13 weeks) — blood test measuring free beta-HCG and PAPP-A alongside NT ultrasound. Detects Down Syndrome with about 85–90% sensitivity. Lower cost. Good first-line screen. Recommended for all pregnancies.
• NIPT (10+ weeks) — cfDNA screening. Detects Down Syndrome with above 99% sensitivity. Higher cost but much more accurate. Ideal when Double Marker is high-risk or for women who want the most accurate non-invasive screen.
• Amniocentesis (15–20 weeks) — Diagnostic (not screening). Analyses fetal cells from amniotic fluid. 100% diagnostic accuracy. Carries 0.5–1% miscarriage risk. Recommended when NIPT or Double Marker is high-risk to confirm the diagnosis before any decision is made.
• NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test — a high-risk NIPT result must always be confirmed by amniocentesis or CVS before any clinical decision. A low-risk NIPT result does not guarantee a normal pregnancy but significantly reduces the likelihood of these specific conditions.

When is NIPT Recommended?

NIPT is recommended for:

• All pregnant women from 10 weeks onwards who want the most accurate non-invasive prenatal screen
• Women aged 35 and above (Advanced Maternal Age) — higher baseline risk of chromosomal abnormalities
• Women with a high-risk result on Double Marker or Triple Marker screening
• Women with a previous pregnancy affected by chromosomal abnormality
• Women with ultrasound findings suggesting chromosomal abnormality (increased NT, absent nasal bone, echogenic bowel)
• Women with a family history of chromosomal conditions
• IVF pregnancies — higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities
• Women who want to avoid invasive testing (amniocentesis) where possible

NIPT Test Price in Kolkata

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) Price: ₹16,500
No fasting required  |  From 10 weeks gestation  |  Results in 7–14 working days  |  Genetic counselling available

⚠ Important: NIPT is a screening test — a high-risk result must be confirmed by amniocentesis or CVS before any clinical decision. Results typically take 7–14 working days as samples are sent to a specialised genetics laboratory. Please book a pre-test genetic counselling session with your gynaecologist before ordering NIPT.

Tests in the Prenatal Screening Pathway

• Double Marker + NT Scan (11–13 weeks) — first trimester combined screening; ordered before or alongside NIPT
• Anomaly Scan / Level 2 USG (18–20 weeks) — detailed structural survey of the fetus; ordered alongside or after NIPT
• Triple Marker (15–20 weeks) — second trimester biochemical screen; an alternative to NIPT for women who miss the first trimester window
• Beta-HCG (Quantitative) — confirms pregnancy and gestational age before NIPT is ordered
• Blood Group & Rh Typing — mandatory antenatal test ordered alongside prenatal screening
• Amniocentesis — the definitive diagnostic follow-up when NIPT is high-risk

Home Collection for NIPT in Kolkata

Apollo Diagnostics provides home blood sample collection for NIPT across Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, South Dum Dum and surrounding North and Central Kolkata areas. NIPT requires a specific blood collection protocol — our phlebotomists use dedicated cfDNA collection tubes (BCT tubes) with special preservatives to stabilise cell-free DNA during transport to the genetics laboratory.

• Home collection available: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Daily
• No fasting required
• Dedicated cfDNA collection tubes used
• Sample sent to specialised genetics laboratory
• Results in 7–14 working days
• Pre-test genetic counselling with your gynaecologist strongly recommended

📞 Book NIPT Test via WhatsApp — +91 8660434628

Quick Links

→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the NIPT test used for?

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) screens for chromosomal abnormalities in the developing baby using cell-free fetal DNA from the mother's blood. It screens for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13) and sex chromosome abnormalities with over 99% sensitivity for Trisomy 21 — far more accurate than traditional Double Marker screening.

Q2. When can NIPT be performed during pregnancy?

NIPT can be performed from 10 weeks of gestation onwards. Earlier than 10 weeks there may not be sufficient cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal blood for reliable results. The ideal window is 10–13 weeks alongside the first trimester Double Marker and NT scan. NIPT can also be performed later in pregnancy if not done in the first trimester.

Q3. Is NIPT safe for the baby?

Yes. NIPT requires only a simple blood draw from the mother's arm. No needles approach the baby, placenta or amniotic fluid. There is absolutely no risk of miscarriage — unlike invasive procedures such as amniocentesis (0.5–1% miscarriage risk) or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). NIPT is the safest prenatal chromosomal screening option currently available.

Q4. What is the NIPT test price at Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata?

The NIPT test price at Apollo Diagnostics is ₹16,500. No fasting required. Results are available in 7–14 working days as samples are processed at a specialised genetics laboratory. Pre-test genetic counselling with your gynaecologist is strongly recommended before booking.

Q5. What is the difference between NIPT and Double Marker test?

The Double Marker test (free beta-HCG + PAPP-A + NT ultrasound) screens for Down Syndrome with about 85–90% sensitivity and is the standard first-line screen for all pregnancies. NIPT uses cell-free fetal DNA and screens for Down Syndrome with above 99% sensitivity — significantly more accurate. NIPT also screens for a wider range of chromosomal conditions. Both are screening tests and a high-risk result must be confirmed by amniocentesis before any clinical decision.

Q6. If NIPT is high-risk, what should I do?

A high-risk NIPT result means there is an elevated probability of the specific chromosomal condition — it is not a diagnosis. The next step is always to see your gynaecologist or a genetic counsellor urgently to discuss the findings. Confirmatory diagnostic testing by amniocentesis (15–20 weeks) or CVS (10–13 weeks) is recommended before any irreversible decision is made. Only amniocentesis or CVS with karyotyping can provide a definitive chromosomal diagnosis.

Q7. Can NIPT give false results?

Yes. While NIPT has very high sensitivity (above 99% for Trisomy 21) it is not 100% accurate. False positives occur — a high-risk result does not always mean the baby is affected. False negatives are rare but possible. Factors that can affect NIPT accuracy include low fetal fraction (below 4% — more common at very early gestational age or in obese mothers), confined placental mosaicism and vanishing twin syndrome. This is why a positive NIPT must always be confirmed by invasive diagnostic testing.

Q8. Is home collection available for NIPT in Kolkata?

Yes. Apollo Diagnostics provides home blood sample collection for NIPT across Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Amarpalli, Motijheel, Satgachi, Baguiati, Lake Town, Bangur, Kaikhali, Sealdah, Entally, Phoolbagan, Tangra and surrounding areas. Dedicated cfDNA collection tubes are used. Book by calling or WhatsApping +91 8660434628.

Q9. How long does it take to get NIPT results?

NIPT results typically take 7–14 working days as the blood sample is sent to a specialised genetics laboratory for cell-free DNA analysis. Results are delivered digitally to your gynaecologist and to your WhatsApp when available.

Q10. Which centre processes my NIPT sample in Kolkata?

Blood samples are collected at Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar — Nandarani Apartment, 8A Narasingha Avenue, Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Kolkata 700074 — and sent to a specialised genetics laboratory for cell-free DNA analysis. Our collection site is NABL-certified and ISO-certified. Please confirm the processing laboratory with our team at time of booking.