What is an NIPT test?

A Non Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) has revolutionized prenatal care by offering a risk-free way to detect gender and screen for chromosomal abnormalities. Unlike traditional methods, NIPT requires only a simple blood draw from the expectant mother. This genetic test analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the mother’s bloodstream, which includes DNA from the placenta, offering insights into the baby’s health without the high risk of invasive procedures.

How much does NIPT cost?

In the US, non-invasive prenatal tests used to detect gender early in pregnancy can cost anywhere from $800 to $2000 without insurance. Even with insurance, NIPTs are often not covered unless a doctor has recommended the test.

What does an NIPT screen for?

Aside from gender, an in-office NIPT also screens for chromosomal disorders and birth defects like:

• Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) – This chromosomal abnormality results from an extra copy of chromosome 21 and can affect your baby’s physical and mental development.
• Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13) – An extra copy of chromosome 13 in every cell can lead to intellectual and physical disabilities.
• Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) – An abnormality of chromosome 18 causes developmental delays.

What are the Limitations of Prenatal Genetic Testing?

Despite its high accuracy, your typical NIPT has its limitations. It’s important to know exactly what an NIPT test can and can’t do in order to set realistic expectations.

• NIPT is a screening test, meaning, that it can only assess risk levels for certain conditions but cannot provide definitive diagnoses. If a screening test shows a high-risk or positive result, the next best step is to pursue diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis. 
• The test’s accuracy can vary based on the specific genetic condition being screened for and individual factors, such as the mother’s weight or how far into the pregnancy the screen is done.
• False positives and negatives, while rare, can occur. For this reason, follow-up testing is encouraged for a conclusive diagnosis.

NIPT does not screen for hereditary conditions. To learn if your baby may be affected by a hereditary condition, both parents should be screened with carrier screening.

Who Should Take an NIPT Screening?

When a mom-to-be is at an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, their physicians will recommend a NIPT. In this case, insurance will typically cover the cost. However, anyone who is curious about their baby’s gender or concerned about potential genetic conditions your baby could inherit can seek out non-invasive prenatal testing.

No Insurance? No Problem with SneakPeek

Fortunately, you don’t have to rely on a NIPT to discover your baby’s gender (regardless of your insurance coverage). SneakPeek offers three at-home alternatives to NIPTs at three affordable tiers and provide s over 99% accurate 1 results. With or without insurance, you can expect to pay the following for each:

• SneakPeek Gender – Lancet – Fingerprick-based test costs only $79
• SneakPeak Gender – Snap – This pain-free model costs only $99
• SneakPeek Gender – Snap FastTrack – Get VIP service and expedited results for only $159

That’s hundreds of dollars less than you’d pay for an in-office gender blood test! Plus, our groundbreaking testing kits can predict your little one’s gender as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy. That’s 3-4 weeks earlier than NIPTs. So, when you choose SneakPeek, you’re not just saving money—you’re also saving time. You can take our test in the comfort of your own home , without a doctor’s order to do so.

How does SneakPeek Gender work?

When you order a gender test kit online, you’ll receive all the materials you need to collect a small blood sample safely and comfortably at home. Once you return this sample to our lab (free shipping included), we use a centrifuge to separate plasma from whole blood and collect cell-free fetal DNA , or cfDNA.

CfDNA are free-floating DNA fragments from your unborn child that enter your bloodstream as your baby grows.

Since your bloodstream typically only contains X chromosomes (a.k.a., the female chromosome), the presence of even one male Y chromosome in your blood sample indicates a baby boy. If no Y chromosomes are present in your sample, it means you’re having a baby girl.

Although each of our gender tests provides over 99% clinically proven accurate 1 results, they each work slightly differently, so let’s break down the details.

Compare SneakPeek Gender and Genetic Screening Products

Get a Sneak Peek of Your Baby’s Gender Sooner

At a time when your baby’s well-being is top priority, money shouldn’t have to be an obstacle. Not only does SneakPeek’s Test offer gender results earlier and faster than an in-office NIPT, but our price point also aims to make early gender reveals accessible for every mommy.

We also provide privacy protected data and results, and a 100% money back guarantee if your results don’t match your baby’s gender.

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At SneakPeek, our commitment is to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information to empower our readers. Our content is thoroughly researched, reviewed by medical experts, and fact-checked to ensure its credibility. We prioritize the well-being and education of our readers, and our editorial policy adheres to the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in all our articles.