NIFTY is a non-invasive screening test for fetal chromosomal abnormalities (tested from the mother’s blood) called NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), which is a highly accurate technology. It uses a blood test from the mother to find the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities such as Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome , etc. The year it was introduced in Thailand was 2012. In the beginning, blood had to be sent back abroad for testing, which was expensive and time-consuming. But now, NIFTY can be tested in Thailand by Bangkok Genomics Innovation Public Company Limited since 2021.

The origin of NIFTY

NIFTY (Non-Invasive Fetal Trisomy Test) is a non-invasive genetic screening test (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing: NIPT) for detecting genetic abnormalities in the fetus. It was initiated in China by BGI (Beijing Genomics Institute). This test uses highly accurate technology to detect fetal DNA fragments floating in the mother’s blood ( Cell-free fetal DNA: cffDNA ) from the mother’s blood to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edward Syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13).

When did NIFTY come into service in Thailand?

NIFTY has been playing a role in genetic screening in Thailand since 2012, and has gained acceptance and popularity among patients and doctors as a non-invasive and highly accurate screening test.

Initial NIFTY test submissions that had to be sent abroad

In the early days of its arrival in Thailand, NIFTY testing was not conducted in Thailand, so blood samples had to be sent overseas, mostly to BGI’s lab in China, a process that took several weeks and was expensive.

When did NIFTY come to do blood tests in Thailand?

In 2021, the NIFTY test has established a laboratory in Thailand, allowing blood tests to be conducted and analyzed directly in the country, which significantly reduces the time and cost of testing.

Advantages of NIFTY testing in the country

There are several advantages to being able to do NIFTY tests in the country, such as:

• Reduce waiting time for test results
  Previously it took about 2-4 weeks, but now if you check with HealthSmile you can get results in 5-14 days.
• Reduce the cost of sending blood samples abroad
  Previously, NIFTY testing was expensive. Some hospitals charged more than 20,000 baht. However, the current cost has become more accessible.
  HealthSmile offers a full range of NIFTY screening services in four packages:
  • NIFTY Focus : 5 chromosomes
  • NIFTY Core : 23 chromosomes
  • NIFTY Pro : 23 chromosomes + 92 other microdeletions/duplications
  • NIFTY Twins : 3 chromosomes and can be tested for Y chromosomes or not

    Click on the package name to see more details about each package.

• Increase convenience and confidence for patients and doctors.
  Blood must be shipped overseas, which increases transportation and communication time. In addition, the blood sent overseas may not be as fresh as blood tested domestically. Therefore, testing that sends blood domestically should reduce the chance of having to draw blood again due to insufficient DNA or blood problems.
• Support from a team of medical technicians and laboratories in the country with expertise
  Having a team working in the lab in Thailand allows for better inspection of work standards, more specialized personnel, and reduced chances of errors in communication abroad.

Current NIFTY testing

Currently, NIFTY testing in Thailand can be performed by certified laboratories, allowing results to be received within a few days. In addition, blood sample delivery services are available to accredited laboratories abroad in cases where additional assurance is needed. With the advancements in medicine and technology, NIFTY is a good option for screening for genetic abnormalities in the fetus, allowing patients to receive important information for decision-making at the right time.

NIFTY test result example, NIFTY Pro package

Additional articles

Teach how to read NIFTY Pro test results. You can read it yourself and understand it (know your gender, know Down syndrome, and what else you can know)

What are the insurance details for NIFTY Focus, NIFTY Core and NIFTY Pro tests? Which ones are covered and which ones are not covered?

NIFTY®️ Pro has increased the number of deletion/duplication checklists from 84 to 92.

What information does the NIFTY®️ screening form for Down syndrome and fetal chromosomes contain? Update 2023

Source

https://www.bangkokgenomics.com/