Clarity Genetics provides specialist genetic counselling for individuals and couples who have received a high-risk or unexpected NIPT result.
NIPT analyses small amounts of placental DNA found in the mother’s blood. It can screen for the most common chromosomal conditions, including Down syndrome and two other trisomies, and is usually offered from around ten weeks of pregnancy. Some NIPT options also include screening for sex chromosome conditions and a wider range of conditions, often referred to as expanded NIPT or NIPT-plus.
NIPT is a screening test rather than a diagnostic test. A higher-chance result indicates that further testing may help clarify the picture, and a lower-chance result substantially reduces, but does not entirely eliminate, the risk of a condition. The role of NIPT is to inform decisions, not to provide a final answer in itself.
A high-risk result does not confirm that a baby has a condition, but it may indicate that further testing should be considered.
Our role is to help patients and referring clinicians understand the result, discuss its limitations and implications, and explore appropriate next steps, including diagnostic testing where relevant. We work closely with obstetric, maternal-fetal medicine and primary care clinicians to provide timely support for time-sensitive prenatal referrals.
Clarity Genetics supports obstetric, maternal fetal medicine, fertility and primary care clinicians whose patients have received an NIPT result that needs interpretation. Specialist genetics consultations are available in person in Sydney and by telehealth across Australia, with prompt appointments arranged for time-sensitive prenatal referrals.
