Pronunciation: [nˈɪpt] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Nipt" is unique, and it can be confusing to spell. It is pronounced as /nɪpt/, with the first syllable stressed. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the "i" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, the "p" is pronounced with a puff of air, and the "t" is pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. "Nipt" is a past tense form of "nip", which can mean to grab or tightly squeeze.
Nipt is a term used in the context of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which is a screening test carried out during pregnancy to identify certain genetic conditions or abnormalities in the developing fetus.
NIPT is a highly advanced, non-invasive method that involves analyzing the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments from the placenta that circulate in the mother's bloodstream. These fragments contain genetic information from the fetus and can be used to detect chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), or Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), as well as certain sex chromosomal abnormalities.
The Nipt procedure typically begins with a simple blood draw from the pregnant woman. The maternal blood sample is then sent to a specialized laboratory, where high-throughput sequencing technologies are employed to analyze the cfDNA for specific genetic variations or abnormalities. By comparing the fetal DNA with a reference genome, various genetic conditions can be identified with high accuracy.
The main advantage of Nipt is its non-invasive nature, as it eliminates the need for invasive tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which carry a small risk of complications. Nipt also can be performed earlier in pregnancy compared to these invasive procedures. However, it is important to note that Nipt is a screening test and does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Positive results typically require further confirmation through diagnostic tests. Overall, Nipt has revolutionized prenatal care by offering expectant parents a reliable and low-risk tool for early detection of potential genetic disorders in the fetus.
