Vol. 21 No. 1 (2023)
Editorial

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): a call for change in reporting practices

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  • Samuel Wilson,
  • Dr Balayla
Samuel Wilson
McGill University
Dr Balayla
McGill University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26443/mjm.v21i1.1067

Published 2024-01-30

Keywords

  • NIPT,
  • ANEUPLOIDY,
  • SCREENING,
  • AGE-ADJUSTED PPV,
  • REPORTING PRACTICES

How to Cite

1.
Wilson S, Balayla J. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): a call for change in reporting practices. McGill J Med [Internet]. 2024 Jan. 30 [cited 2025 Oct. 6];21(1). Available from: https://mjm.mcgill.ca/article/view/1067

Copyright (c) 2024 Samuel Wilson, Dr Balayla

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

The use of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) technology has revolutionized the practice of prenatal screening. The assay’s validity and reliability have been demonstrated in both low- and high-risk pregnancies. Despite its excellent screening parameters, its reliability is often overestimated due to confusing and incorrect terminology that appears in private NIPT reports. Herein, we provide a brief explanation of the potential implications at two different levels: patient and provider. We conclude with a call to redesign the way information is presented on NIPT reports to avoid stressing patients, enhance transparency in clinical counselling, and perhaps most critically, to prevent medical decisions that may not be warranted solely based on the NIPT results.

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References

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