Introduction
When it comes to prenatal care, one of the biggest questions parents face is:
👉 Should I choose NIPT or the traditional First Trimester Combined Screening?
Both are important tools for assessing your baby’s health, but they differ in accuracy, timing, and purpose. Let’s break down the differences so you can make an informed decision.
What is the First Trimester Combined Screening?
The First Trimester Combined Screening (FTS) is a traditional prenatal screening test done between 11–14 weeks of pregnancy.
It includes two steps:
- Ultrasound scan to measure nuchal translucency (NT) — fluid behind the baby’s neck.
- Blood test to measure pregnancy hormones and proteins.
Together, these results estimate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.
👉 Also Read: First Trimester Prenatal Screening: What to Expect
What is NIPT?
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a modern blood test that analyzes cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) in the mother’s blood.
- Can be done as early as 9–10 weeks.
- Detects common trisomies (21, 18, 13) and sex chromosome conditions.
- Over 99% accuracy for Down syndrome.
- Completely safe for mother and baby.
👉 Related Blog: Genetic Testing During Pregnancy – Complete Guide
NIPT vs. First Trimester Combined Screening: Key Differences
| Feature | NIPT | First Trimester Combined Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Test | Blood test (cfDNA analysis) | Ultrasound + maternal blood test |
| Timing | 9–10 weeks onward | 11–14 weeks |
| Accuracy | Very high (>99% for Down syndrome) | Moderate (~85–90% for Down syndrome) |
| Safety | Completely safe | Completely safe |
| Detection | Screens for trisomies, sex chromosome conditions | Screens for trisomies only |
| Result | Risk assessment (more reliable) | Risk assessment (less accurate) |
Which Test Should You Choose?
- If accuracy is your priority: NIPT is the better choice.
- If cost is a factor: FTS is usually less expensive.
- If you want ultrasound details: FTS also helps detect early structural issues.
- If you’re high-risk (age 35+, family history): NIPT is strongly recommended.
👉 Many parents choose to do both — FTS for early anatomical insights and NIPT for genetic accuracy.
Can NIPT Replace the First Trimester Screening?
Not entirely. While NIPT is more accurate for genetic conditions, the ultrasound in FTS provides crucial information about:
- Baby’s physical development
- Risk of heart defects
- Early markers of other health concerns
So ideally, they should complement each other, not replace one another.
Final Thoughts
Both NIPT and First Trimester Combined Screening play an important role in prenatal care.
- NIPT → Highly accurate, early, and safe genetic screening.
- FTS → Provides valuable ultrasound insights beyond genetics.
For the best care, discuss with your doctor whether to do one or both, depending on your medical history, risk factors, and preferences.
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