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NIPT Test in Busan, Korea

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) analyzes fragments of the baby's DNA in the mother's blood to screen for common chromosomal conditions. It's widely offered at Busan OB/GYN clinics and hospitals. It's optional, self-pay, and a screening test rather than a diagnosis.

What NIPT screens for

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). These are the core conditions, and screening for trisomy 21 is the most accurate.
• Sex chromosome differences , such as Turner syndrome. These results are less reliable.
• Some expanded panels add microdeletions or other conditions, but evidence for their accuracy is weaker and false positives are more common.

Clinics in Korea usually offer several NIPT products at different price points. Ask exactly what each one covers.

When to take it

NIPT can be done from about 10 weeks of pregnancy, usually alongside the first-trimester ultrasound. It doesn't replace the nuchal translucency scan or the detailed anatomy ultrasound, which look for structural problems that NIPT can't detect.

Accuracy and limits

• NIPT is a screening test. A "high risk" result must be confirmed with a diagnostic test, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, before any decisions are made.
• A "low risk" result is reassuring but doesn't rule out every condition.
• Sometimes there isn't enough fetal DNA, especially early in pregnancy or at a higher body weight, and the test needs repeating.
• Twin pregnancies, IVF with donor eggs and some maternal conditions can affect results. Tell the doctor.

What the visit involves

Pre-test counseling, a simple blood draw from your arm, and results usually within one to two weeks. No fasting is needed. Ask how results will be shared and whether genetic counseling is available if a result is high risk.

Cost and insurance

NIPT is not covered by NHI and is self-pay. Prices vary considerably between clinics and between test panels. Ask for a written quote that names the product. Depending on the clinic, the pregnancy and childbirth voucher may be usable toward the cost. Standard serum screening and ultrasound are partly covered by NHI.

Tips for foreigners

• Bring your ARC or passport and your exact due date or last period date.
• Ask for the report in English. Many labs can provide one.
• If a result is high risk, ask about referral to a university hospital for diagnostic testing and counseling.
• See the international patients guide .

Related

• Prenatal Care
• Pregnancy Blood Tests
• Pregnancy Test
• Pregnancy Checkup Cost Korea
• Pregnancy services
• International Patients

When to get help sooner

NIPT isn't urgent, but pregnancy symptoms can be. Go to an ER for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal or shoulder pain, or fainting. If you get a high-risk result, ask for a prompt follow-up appointment.

Busan hospitals and clinics for prenatal screening

Hospitals marked "Delivers" are on HIRA's list of facilities that can deliver babies. Features are as listed in public directories. Call to ask which NIPT tests they offer and at what price.

NIPT FAQ