If you are looking for a NIPT test in Chandigarh, Altus Lab offers Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) with free home sample collection across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. NIPT – also known as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening – is widely considered the most advanced prenatal screening test available today. It analyses fragments of your baby’s DNA circulating in your blood to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome – all from a simple blood draw, with no risk to your baby.
Basically every expectant mother in Chandigarh deserves access to accurate, early prenatal screening. Our lab is founded and led by an Ex-PGIMER Chandigarh doctor with over 13 years of specialist diagnostic experience. Because we coordinate directly with NABL-accredited genetic testing laboratories, your sample is handled with the highest standards of quality – and your reports are accepted at PGIMER, GMCH-32, GMCH-16, Fortis Mohali, Max Hospital, and all leading gynaecology and maternal-fetal medicine clinics across the Tricity.
What Is a NIPT Test?
NIPT stands for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing. Generally, it is a blood-based screening test performed during pregnancy – as early as the 10th week of gestation – that analyses cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the mother’s bloodstream. This DNA originates from the placenta and is, in most cases, genetically identical to the baby’s DNA.
By counting and comparing DNA fragments, the test can detect whether there is a higher-than-expected amount of genetic material from specific chromosomes – which would indicate an increased risk of certain chromosomal conditions. Importantly, NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. A high-risk result therefore indicates that further confirmatory testing (such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) should be discussed with your obstetrician or genetic counsellor.
What Does the NIPT Test Screen For?
Indeed, the NIPT test offered through Altus Lab in Chandigarh screens for the following chromosomal conditions:
| # | Condition | Chromosome Involved | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) | Extra copy of Chromosome 21 | Most common chromosomal condition. Causes intellectual disability and characteristic physical features. NIPT detection accuracy is approximately 99%. |
| 2 | Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) | Extra copy of Chromosome 18 | Severe developmental abnormalities. Most affected pregnancies result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Survivors have significant medical challenges. |
| 3 | Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13) | Extra copy of Chromosome 13 | Causes serious brain, heart, and organ abnormalities. Most affected babies do not survive beyond the first year of life. |
| 4 | Sex Chromosome Abnormalities | X and Y chromosomes | Includes Turner syndrome (45,X), Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), Triple X syndrome (47,XXX), and XYY syndrome. Detection rates range from 79–92%. |
| 5 | Fetal Sex Determination | X and Y chromosomes | NIPT can accurately determine whether the baby is male or female as early as 10 weeks – earlier than ultrasound. |
Some advanced NIPT panels also screen for microdeletion syndromes such as DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2 deletion). Discuss with your doctor which panel is most appropriate for your pregnancy.
Who Should Get a NIPT Test in Chandigarh?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now recommends that NIPT be offered to all pregnant women, regardless of age or risk category. However, it is especially important if any of the following apply to you:
- You are aged 35 or above at the time of delivery (advanced maternal age)
- You have had a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal abnormality
- A first-trimester screening or NT scan has indicated an increased risk
- You have an ultrasound finding that suggests a potential chromosomal abnormality
- You or your partner have a family history of genetic conditions
- You want early and accurate prenatal screening for peace of mind
- Your obstetrician at PGIMER, GMCH-32, Fortis Mohali, or Max Hospital has recommended NIPT
NIPT vs Traditional Prenatal Screening – How Is It Different?
Many expectant mothers in Chandigarh are familiar with the dual marker test or the quadruple marker test. While these are valuable screening tools, NIPT offers significant advantages:
| Feature | Dual/Quad Marker Test | NIPT (Cell-Free DNA) |
|---|---|---|
| What it analyses | Maternal blood proteins + ultrasound | Fetal DNA fragments in maternal blood |
| Detection rate for Down Syndrome | 80–96% | ~99% |
| False positive rate | ~5% | Less than 0.1% |
| Earliest timing | 11–14 weeks (dual) / 15–20 weeks (quad) | 10 weeks onwards |
| Gender detection | Not included | Included |
| Risk to baby | None | None |
NIPT does not replace diagnostic tests like amniocentesis or CVS. However, because of its high accuracy and very low false-positive rate, it significantly reduces the number of unnecessary invasive procedures – thereby protecting both mother and baby.
How Is the NIPT Test Performed?
The NIPT procedure is simple and completely safe for both mother and baby:
- Step 1: A small blood sample (approximately 10 ml) is drawn from the mother’s arm – either at our lab or during a free home collection visit
- Step 2: The blood sample is processed and shipped to a NABL-accredited genetic testing laboratory under strict cold-chain protocols
- Step 3: The laboratory isolates cell-free fetal DNA from the maternal blood and analyses it using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology
- Step 4: A detailed report is generated indicating the risk level for each screened condition, along with fetal sex (if requested)
- Step 5: The report is shared with you and your obstetrician via WhatsApp and email
The entire process requires only a single blood draw from the mother. There are no needles near the uterus, no amniotic fluid collection, and absolutely no risk to the baby.
How to Prepare for a NIPT Blood Test
NIPT requires minimal preparation compared to other prenatal tests. Here is what you need to know:
- Fasting: Not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Gestational age: You must be at least 10 weeks pregnant. NIPT performed before 10 weeks may have insufficient fetal DNA (low fetal fraction) and could produce inconclusive results.
- Medications: Inform us if you are on blood thinners (such as Heparin or Enoxaparin), as these can occasionally affect sample quality.
- Pregnancy type: NIPT works for both singleton and twin pregnancies. However, certain panels may have limitations for donor egg, surrogate, or higher-order multiple pregnancies – your doctor will advise accordingly.
When Do NIPT Test Results Come?
NIPT results typically take 7–10 working days from the date the sample reaches the genetic testing laboratory. This is because the test involves advanced DNA sequencing technology that requires careful analysis. Once ready, reports are shared digitally via WhatsApp and email, and a printed copy can be collected from our lab if needed.
In approximately 1–2% of cases, the test may return a “no-call” or inconclusive result due to low fetal fraction (insufficient fetal DNA in the sample). If this happens, a redraw can be arranged at no additional cost after 1–2 weeks.
Understanding Your NIPT Results
NIPT results are reported as either low risk or high risk for each screened condition:
- Low risk (negative): The likelihood of your baby having the screened chromosomal condition is very low. This is reassuring, but does not guarantee that the baby is free of all genetic conditions.
- High risk (positive): There is an increased probability that your baby may have the specific chromosomal condition. This does not mean your baby definitely has the condition – confirmatory diagnostic testing (amniocentesis or CVS) is recommended. Discuss the next steps with your obstetrician or genetic counsellor.
At Altus Lab, we understand that receiving a high-risk result can be stressful. Our team is available to help you understand the report and connect you with the appropriate specialist for further guidance.
Why Choose Altus Lab for Your NIPT Test in Chandigarh?
- Founded by an Ex-PGIMER Chandigarh Doctor – specialist-grade diagnostics with over 13 years of experience
- NABL-Accredited Genetic Lab Partner – samples processed at certified laboratories using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Free Home Collection – across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, and Kharar, 7 days a week
- Strict Cold-Chain Sample Handling – ensuring sample integrity from collection to analysis
- Digital Reports – delivered via WhatsApp and email, instantly shareable with your gynaecologist or MFM specialist
- Reports Accepted Everywhere – PGIMER, GMCH-32, GMCH-16, Fortis Mohali, Max Hospital, and all major hospitals in the Tricity
- Compassionate Support – our team helps you understand your results and guides you on next steps
Frequently Asked Questions – NIPT Test in Chandigarh
Can I get a NIPT test done at home in Chandigarh?
Yes. Altus Lab offers free home collection for NIPT across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, and Kharar. Simply call 0172-5017001 or WhatsApp us to book a convenient slot. Our trained phlebotomist will collect your blood sample at your doorstep.
How early can I get a NIPT test during pregnancy?
NIPT can be performed from the 10th week of pregnancy onwards. Testing earlier than 10 weeks may result in insufficient fetal DNA in the blood, which can lead to inconclusive results.
Is NIPT safe for my baby?
Absolutely. NIPT is completely non-invasive – it requires only a blood draw from the mother’s arm. There is zero risk to the baby, unlike invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or CVS.
How accurate is the NIPT test for Down syndrome?
NIPT has a detection rate of approximately 99% for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) with a false-positive rate of less than 0.1%. It is the most accurate prenatal screening test currently available for this condition.
Does NIPT replace amniocentesis?
No. NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. If the NIPT result indicates a high risk for any condition, your doctor will recommend confirmatory diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) before making any clinical decisions.
Can NIPT tell me the gender of my baby?
Yes. NIPT analyses the sex chromosomes (X and Y) and can accurately determine whether the baby is male or female as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy – well before a routine ultrasound can confirm gender.
How long does it take to get NIPT results in Chandigarh?
NIPT results are typically available within 7–10 working days from sample receipt at the genetic testing laboratory. Reports are shared digitally via WhatsApp and email.
Are Altus Lab NIPT reports accepted at PGIMER Chandigarh?
Yes. Altus Lab is founded and run by an Ex-PGIMER Chandigarh doctor. Our NIPT reports, processed through NABL-accredited genetic laboratories, are accepted at PGIMER, GMCH-32, GMCH-16, Fortis Mohali, Max Hospital, and all major hospitals across Chandigarh Tricity.
Book Your NIPT Test in Chandigarh Today
Don’t leave your baby’s health to chance. Early screening with NIPT gives you and your doctor the information needed to plan the healthiest pregnancy possible. Book your NIPT test with Altus Lab today – with free home collection, trusted genetic laboratory partners, and compassionate support at every step.
Free home collection · Reports in 7–10 days · Open 7 days · 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
