What the blood test actually checks for, how accurate it is, what it costs, and what a high-chance result means. Based on RANZCOG and Australian Prescriber.
NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) is a blood test, usually from 10 weeks of pregnancy, that analyses small fragments of the baby's DNA circulating in your blood. It screens for the three most common chromosome conditions — and it does this without any risk to the baby, because it only needs a standard blood draw.
It's important to understand what kind of test this is: NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic one. It tells you whether the chance of a chromosome condition is low or high — it can't tell you for certain either way. Only a diagnostic test (amniocentesis or CVS) can confirm a diagnosis.
• Sex chromosome conditions (e.g. Turner, Klinefelter syndrome) • Baby's sex — usually included, ask if you'd rather not know • Genome-wide screening (extra cost) — looks at all chromosomes, which can pick up rarer findings but also increases the chance of an uncertain result
NIPT does not replace the 12–13 week ultrasound, which checks the baby's physical structure — something a blood test can't do.
Both are screening options for the same conditions — you don't need to do both, though some people have the combined screen first and only pay for NIPT if that result comes back increased-chance.
NIPT
Combined first trimester screen
Detects Down syndrome
~99%
~85–90%
False-positive rate
Low
Higher
Medicare rebate
No
Yes
Timing
From 10 weeks
11–13 weeks (ultrasound + blood test)
Neither replaces the 12–13 week structural ultrasound. Ask your GP or midwife which option, or combination, fits your situation.
No Medicare rebate for standard NIPT. Expect to pay roughly $450–$550 out of pocket, varying by lab and any optional add-ons (e.g. genome-wide screening typically adds ~$40–$50). Not covered by private health insurance. Prepayment is required at most labs — confirm the current price with the lab before ordering, as pricing can change.
Exception — RhD NIPT. If you are RhD-negative, a different NIPT test that checks the baby's RhD status is Medicare-rebated (MBS items 73420/73421). This is a separate test from the chromosome-condition screening above — ask your GP if this applies to you.
Low chance result — the most common outcome. Continue standard antenatal care. The 12–13 week structural ultrasound is still recommended, as it checks things NIPT can't.
High chance result — this is not a diagnosis. You'll usually be referred for genetic counselling and a diagnostic test (amniocentesis or CVS) to confirm or rule out the finding before any decisions are made.
No result / test failure — happens in roughly 2–5% of samples, usually because there wasn't enough fetal DNA in the sample (more common very early in pregnancy or at higher BMI). Most labs retest for free; if it happens again, your GP may suggest the combined screen instead, or refer you for diagnostic testing.
Results usually take 1–2 weeks. Your GP, obstetrician or midwife will go through the result with you.
Common questions
No specialist referral is needed — your GP can order it directly. An ultrasound beforehand is usually recommended to confirm your dates and that the pregnancy is progressing as expected.
Yes, in most cases — it's usually included at no extra cost. Let your GP or the lab know before the test if you'd prefer not to be told.
Yes — unlike diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or CVS, NIPT is just a blood draw from you, so it carries no risk of miscarriage or harm to the baby.
Not necessarily — a high-chance NIPT result is a screening flag, not a diagnosis, and false positives happen. It means genetic counselling and a diagnostic test are recommended to find out for certain. Speak with your GP, obstetrician or a genetic counsellor about what the result means for you specifically.
⚠ This page provides general information only — not personal medical advice. Prenatal screening involves personal decisions best made with your GP, obstetrician or a genetic counsellor, who can discuss your individual circumstances. Pricing shown is indicative and can change — confirm with the testing lab before booking.