What is NIPT and how does it work?

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a blood test performed from around 9–10 weeks of pregnancy that analyses cell-free fetal DNA in the mother’s blood to screen for chromosomal and genetic conditions. It is safe, non-invasive, and does not pose a miscarriage risk.

Is NIPT safe for the baby?

Yes. NIPT is completely non-invasive and involves only a maternal blood draw. It does not involve needles near the womb and carries no risk to the baby or mother.

What conditions does NIPT screen for in Nigeria?

Greenplace Healthcare NIPT panels can screen for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), sex chromosome abnormalities, Sickle Cell Disease, Alpha Thalassemia, Beta Thalassemia, Cystic Fibrosis, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

How accurate is NIPT?

NIPT has over 99% accuracy for detecting Down syndrome and very high sensitivity and specificity for other screened conditions. It is one of the most accurate prenatal screening tests available.

How much does NIPT cost in Nigeria?

The cost of NIPT in Nigeria typically ranges from ₦350,000 to over ₦1,600,000 depending on the test panel, number of conditions screened, and whether international laboratory processing is used.

How long does it take to get NIPT results?

With Greenplace Healthcare, NIPT results are typically available within 5–7 working days after sample collection.

Where can I get NIPT done in Lagos?

Greenplace Healthcare coordinates NIPT testing for clients in Lagos through international partner laboratories, ensuring high accuracy, confidentiality, and UK-standard quality control.

Is NIPT better than amniocentesis or CVS?

NIPT is safer than amniocentesis or CVS because it is non-invasive and carries no miscarriage risk. However, NIPT is a screening test, while invasive tests are diagnostic.

NIPT in Nigeria: Cost, Accuracy, Safety & Where to Get Tested (2026 Guide)

Greenplace Healthcare
6 days ago
3 min read

Contact Greenplace Healthcare

For safe, accurate, and internationally processed NIPT and prenatal DNA testing, speak with our team today.

📞 WhatsApp:+44 7585 610211+234 701 262 9632

☎ Phone: +44 208 150 0059📧 Email: clients@greenplacehealthcare.com

🌐 Website: https://www.greenplacehealthcare.co.uk

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is transforming prenatal care by allowing expectant parents to screen for serious genetic and chromosomal conditions early in pregnancy and without risk to the mother or baby.

At Greenplace Healthcare, we provide advanced, non-invasive prenatal genetic testing for clients in Nigeria through international, world-class partner laboratories, operating under UK clinical governance and quality standards.

This 2026 guide explains:

What NIPT is and how it works
Accuracy and safety
Cost of NIPT in Nigeria
Conditions screened
Where to get tested
Why Greenplace Healthcare is the trusted choice

What Is NIPT?

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a screening test that analyses cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) found in a pregnant woman’s blood. It can be performed from as early as 9–10 weeks of pregnancy.

Unlike invasive procedures, NIPT:

Does not enter the womb
Carries no miscarriage risk
Requires only a routine blood sample

How NIPT Works

A maternal blood sample is collected
Fetal DNA fragments circulating in the blood are isolated
Advanced genomic sequencing is performed
Risk assessment is reported for specific genetic conditions

All Greenplace samples are analysed in international partner laboratories with advanced sequencing platforms not commonly available in Nigeria.

Conditions Screened by Greenplace NIPT Panels

Depending on the panel selected, Greenplace Healthcare’s NIPT services can screen for:

Chromosomal Conditions

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
Sex chromosome abnormalities

Inherited & Genetic Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease
Alpha Thalassemia
Beta Thalassemia
Cystic Fibrosis
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

⚠️ Screening panels vary. Pre-test counselling is essential to determine the most appropriate test based on personal and family history.

Accuracy of NIPT

NIPT is one of the most accurate prenatal screening tools available:

Down syndrome detection: ~99%+
Very high sensitivity and specificity for other conditions
Low false-positive rate compared to traditional screening

⚠️ NIPT is a screening test, not diagnostic. High-risk results should be confirmed with diagnostic testing under medical supervision.

Safety of NIPT

NIPT is considered extremely safe:

✔ Non-invasive

✔ No needle near the womb

✔ No fetal tissue sampling

✔ No risk of miscarriage

This makes it preferable to invasive procedures such as CVS or amniocentesis when screening is the goal.

NIPT vs Invasive Prenatal Tests (CVS & Amniocentesis)

Feature	NIPT (Greenplace)	CVS / Amniocentesis
Invasive	❌ No	✅ Yes
Miscarriage Risk	❌ None	⚠️ Present
Timing	From 9–10 weeks	Later in pregnancy
Turnaround	5–7 working days	Often longer
Purpose	Screening	Diagnostic