NIPT provides information relevant to chromosomes such as Trisomy 21, 18, and 13, as well as sex chromosome abnormalities, all without putting the fetus at any risk. MedGenome offers NIPT, including an “Advanced” panel covering rare conditions with faster turnaround times and greater accuracy from just a simple blood sample. This all sounds precise; however, many potential patients have no clue that things such as hidden charges attached to counselling and confirmatory tests or sample handling fees, with discrepancies between standard and advanced panels, might exist. This blog intends to shed light on the NIPT testing costs and other relevant things that clinics occasionally skip, so that patients will be able to fully anticipate the procedure before undergoing the test.t provide a definitive diagnosis
Hidden or less obvious costs to watch out for
1. Cost differences for basic vs advanced panels
MedGenome offers more than just one type of NIPT: a basic standard screening test and another “Advanced” version. The advanced screening is for rare conditions. That means a higher charge for the service. The patients usually start by thinking they are paying one fee for the truly comprehensive test, being unaware that upgrades require further payment.
2. Confirmatory testing cost
NIPT is very accurate for screening, but it cannot give a final diagnosis. If the results show a higher risk or are unclear, additional tests like amniocentesis or CVS may be needed, which have their own medical risks. These follow-up tests usually cost extra, but clinics don’t always explain this clearly.
3. Counselling, consultation, or sample collection fees
In some cases, the test fee may cover everything, but additional charges can apply. These may include fees for genetic counselling, collection centre or hospital visits, and shipping or special processing if your sample must be sent to a distant lab. While MedGenome describes NIPT as “a simple blood test,” the breakdown of these extra costs isn’t always clearly explained.
4. Test failure or “No-Call” fees
Sometimes, NIPT needs to be redone for precise results. Even though clinics claim to have a very high call rate (>99%), test failures or low fetal fraction still occur sometimes, resulting in a need for a second sample to be drawn. This could be extra in terms of fees that you should know about. In some cases, the test fee may cover everything, but additional charges can apply. These may include fees for genetic counselling, collection centre or hospital visits, and shipping or special processing if your sample must be sent to a distant lab. While MedGenome describes NIPT as “just a simple blood test,” the breakdown of these extra costs isn’t always clearly explained.
5. Turnaround time and urgency
Anything faster than the customary 7 days of working time may be rushed in select laboratories for an additional charge. As per MedGenome, testing takes less than or equal to 7 days in normal turnaround time, while for rush cases or faster courier/shipping, extra charges may be applicable.
What can you do to avoid surprises?
– Get a fully itemised bill for the service charge, e.g. test, collection, counselling, confirmatory tests.
– Confirm if the price being quoted is for the standard panel or the advanced panel.
– Redraws should be free if the test fails or if no call is received as a result.
– Ask what the announced turnaround time is and if there are any additional charges for expediting delivery
– Check if your insurance or plan covers NIPT and what portion you will have to pay (personal responsibility).
Conclusion
NIPT is an extremely powerful and valuable service, especially the types of tests that MedGenome’s lab gives you. There are always invisible costs or conditions associated with any kind of service, like requiring confirmation, charging extra for delayed payments, rarely a test offers no results for you, and upgrading without you being aware of it. Being alert should not delay you from asking lots of detailed questions and knowing what is included and what is excluded from your package; this will go a long way in helping you make a decision and sparing you from surprise bills.
