Pre-Natal Testing

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What is Prenatal Screening?

Early Insight for a Healthy Pregnancy

Most pregnant women can expect to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. However, it is estimated that 1 in 1000 pregnancies will have a congenital defect like Down Syndrome which affects physical development, learning, and sometimes the heart or other organs. Such genetic disorder cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound alone.
The risk increases with maternal age (about 1 in 250 for women over 35), yet most babies with Down Syndrome are born to younger mothers.

Prenatal screening is a test that offers a safe and reliable way to understand these risks early in pregnancy.

Early screening empowers parents with timely information and choices.

Types of Prenatal Screening

Double/Triple Marker Screening OR Traditional Prenatal Screening :
It involves:

  • A simple Blood test – measures pregnancy-related proteins (hCG, PAPP-A).
  • An Ultrasound Scan – checks markers like Nuchal Translucency (fluid at the baby’s neck).

Results are analyzed using advanced software to calculate the chance of genetic defects. If the risk is high, further confirmatory testing i.e. Prenatal Diagnostic test is offered.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS)

NIPS is a simple test which used mothers blood to analyses tiny fragments of the baby’s DNA (cell-free DNA) circulating in the mother’s blood. It provides early and highly accurate screening for certain chromosomal conditions, without any risk to mother or baby.

The NIPS Test uses whole genome sequencing approach that reads thousands of genes.

Sequences to ensure comprehensive coverage with more than 99% accuracy.

What NIPS screens for:

Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome)
Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome)
Sex chromosome conditions such as Monosomy X (Turner Syndrome) and other aneuploidies
Selected microdeletions, such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

When it can be done:

From as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy, Recommended up to 22 weeks of gestation
Suitable for women across different age and risk categories

Why choose NIPS?

It is safe, non-invasive, and offers early reassurance by detecting conditions with high accuracy, helping parents make informed choices about their pregnancy.

Feature NIPS Traditional Screening
🧪 Test Type Simple blood test (analyzes baby’s DNA) Blood test + ultrasound markers
📅 When Done From 10 weeks 11–14 weeks
🎯 Accuracy Very high (>99% for Down Syndrome) Moderate (70–80%)
🤰 Safety No risk to mother or baby Safe, but less accurate
🧬 Conditions Screened Trisomy 21, 18, 13, sex chromosome disorders, some microdeletions Trisomy 21, 18, 13
✅ Next Steps High-risk → confirm with diagnostic test High-risk → confirm with diagnostic test

Prenatal Diagnostics

Prenatal diagnostics tests are offered to the pregnant women with high-risk prenatal screening results, to provide accurate information about a baby’s health before birth, helping parents and doctors make informed decisions.

Why it matters

Prenatal diagnostic tests go beyond routine screening. They are designed to confirm or rule out chromosomal or genetic conditions when screening results or medical history indicate a higher risk.

Commonly Diagnosed Conditions

Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, Patau Syndrome)
Genetic disorders (such as Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Disease, Cystic Fibrosis)
Structural anomalies (heart defects, neural tube defects, etc.)

Types of Prenatal Diagnostic Tests

  • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Performed between 11–14 weeks, involves testing a small sample of placental tissue
  • Amniocentesis: Usually done between 16–20 weeks, involves analysing a sample of amniotic fluid.
  • The CVS for Amniocentesis sample is used for performing tests like Karyotyping, FISH, Qf-PCR, Chromosomal microarray, Clincal Exome and Whole Exome- Next Generation sequencing, to provide detailed insights and unequivocal results into specific inherited conditions.

Benefits for Parents

  • Clear understanding of the baby’s health
  • Informed choices about pregnancy management
  • Early planning for specialized care if needed

From screening to confirmatory testing — everything you need in one place, with expert support at every stage of testing all at one trusted center.

Technology

FMF-accredited DELFIA system with LifeCycle software

Internationally accepted precision (Fetal Medicine Foundation)

India-centric MoM values for higher accuracy in Indian population

High US-FDA approved NIPS platforms
All Confirmatory testing/ Prenatal

Diagnostic services and follow up investigation offered under one roof

1
Genetic Counseling

Remote telegenetic counseling (phone or video) for screen-positive results

Clear explanation of test reports

Review of family history & genetic risks

Guidance on next testing options

A summary report sent to your doctor

2
Support Services

Complete screening & follow-up diagnostics under one roof

Expert review of all screen-positive cases

Suggested investigations included in reports

Convenient services:

  • Anytime sample pick-up & report delivery
  • Online registration & payment
5

Dr. Dipanjana Datta

Consultant Geneticist & Senior Genetic Counsellor

Dr. Dipanjana Datta is a molecular geneticist with a PhD in Human Genetics from the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University—specializing in neuromuscular disorders—and holds certification as a medical geneticist.

She leads in prenatal and reproductive genetics, rare disease diagnostics , nephrogenetics, and neuromuscular disorders. As a senior research scientist, she participated in the Indian Genome Variation Consortium, contributing to its major genomics efforts.Her scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications in journals such as PNAS, Journal of Neurology, and PLOS One. She pioneered India’s first public-health-based rare disease screening clinics in collaboration with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and holds a patent for a biomarker-based diagnostic approach in head and neck cancer.

Lakshita Chauhan

Head - Genomics, Geneticist & Genetic Counsellor

Lakshita Chauhan is one of India’s foremost and most respected genetic counselors, widely recognized for her contributions to the field of medical genetics. She is the first genetic counselor to have served the Indian Armed Forces, where she established the inaugural genetics clinic and laboratory with clinical Geneticist, New Delhi. Her journey began at the National Inherited Disorders Administration (NIDAN) Kendra under the Department of Biotechnology, where she laid the foundation as its first Genetic Counselor.

With a distinguished career spanning preconception, prenatal, postnatal, pediatric, neurogenetic, and oncogenetic counseling, Lakshita combines deep expertise in genomic data analysis with a compassionate, non-directive counseling approach. She is dedicated to helping patients and families navigate complex genetic findings, understand their implications, and find strength in the face of uncertainty.

In recognition of her groundbreaking work and leadership in the field, Lakshita was awarded the National Youth Icon Award in Genetic at 3rd National Symposium on genetic diseases held at New Delhi.

Currently, as part of Navigene, she is spearheading the development of the genetics division—building it from the ground up to position the institution as India’s premier center for genetic diagnostics and research. Alongside her clinical and research endeavors, she is a passionate advocate for rare genetic disorders, frequently engaging as a keynote speaker to raise awareness and foster understanding of children’s genetic conditions.

Lakshita Chauhan stands at the intersection of science, compassion, and advocacy—committed to shaping the future of genetics in India and empowering individuals and families through knowledge and care.

Mr. Anirvan Dam

Director, Sales-Retail

Anirvan Dam serves as the Director of Sales – Retail at Navigene Genetic Science Pvt. Ltd., where he spearheads both retail and institutional sales initiatives. Holding a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM) with a specialization in Marketing, Anirvan is also an alumnus of the National Institute of Sales.

With a robust career spanning corporate and retail sales across diverse sectors, Anirvan has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer engagement strategies. His entrepreneurial acumen is exemplified by the founding of The Kids Clinic (TKC), a pediatric healthcare venture under Kids Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd., which expanded from a single clinic in Dombivli to over 15 locations through strategic partnerships and franchise models.

At Navigene, Anirvan adopts a holistic approach to sales, integrating cross-functional collaboration to enhance the overall sales experience. His leadership is marked by the implementation of innovative strategies that drive consistent growth and elevate customer satisfaction. Anirvan is a passionate cricket enthusiast and regards traveling as a natural expression of his zest for life.

Mr. Vinod R Jadhav

Director

Vinod Ramchandra Jadhav represents the first generation of SAVA’s founding family and served as the Managing Director of the company from 2004 to 2013. After completing Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in 1990 from Cusrow Wadia Institute of Technology Pune India, Vinod worked for 13 years for world class organizations like Larsen & Toubro, Mercedes- Benz, Fiat Automobiles & Tata AutoComp Systems in various roles across Sales, Marketing, distribution, Product Management, Import-Export logistics, International Taxation & Transfer Pricing.

In 2003, Vinod founded Anagha Pharma as a global pharmaceutical trading company. The company transformed into SAVA Healthcare in 2010 after acquiring two manufacturing units in Gujarat and Karnataka and establishing an R&D center in Pune. SAVA Healthcare has been involved in International Business, SAVAVET, SAVA Herbals and CRAMS activities then on.

Vinod is Honorary member of Rotary Club of Pune Heritage, a recipient of Major Donor Crystal and “Paul Harris Fellow” Pin from Rotary International. He was recently conferred the prestigious “Diamond of the CWITAN” award from his alma mater.

Vinod is also an investor & director in various enterprises around the world and supports philanthropic initiatives in education of underprivileged children, girl child & healthcare for the needy.

At Navigene, Vinod not only served as the first investor—continuing to fund its growth—but has also supported the company’s journey over the past 13 years with vital guidance, invaluable networks, and unwavering support

Mr. Surojit Nandy

Co-Founder | Director & COO

Surojit Nandy is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in founding and scaling startups across diverse sectors, including healthcare, finance, real estate, and human resources.

He co-founded Navigene alongside Dr. Rishi Dixit, investing through his venture capital firm Incucapital Advisors and served as an investor and strategic advisor. Over the years, Surojit became deeply involved in various facets of Navigene’s operations, culminating in his appointment as full-time Chief Operating Officer and Director in 2024. In his current role, he oversees the company’s overall operations and spearheads key strategic initiatives.

Surojit is a Chemistry (Hons.) graduate from the University of Calcutta and holds an MBA from Symbiosis Institute, Pune. He began his career in IT consulting at Satyam Computers, working with European clients, before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. Outside of work, Surojit is an avid reader, passionate runner, and has recently developed an interest in scriptwriting

Dr. Rishi Dixit

Co-Founder | Managing Director & CEO

Dr. Rishi Dixit is a thought leader in healthcare with over 14 years of expertise in preventive screening and diagnostics, having a strong focus on the early detection of genetic disorders. As Co-Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of Navigene Genetic Science Pvt. Ltd., he has been at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative, next-generation diagnostic solutions that bridge the gap between advanced science and real-world healthcare needs.

He has partnered with state governments across India to drive large-scale screening initiatives for hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell disease and thalassemia), especially in rural and tribal regions where the impact is most profound. His efforts combine cutting-edge technology with community engagement through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programs, ensuring both accessibility and awareness among vulnerable populations.

An MBBS graduate with an MBA from Sydenham College, Mumbai, Dr. Dixit blends medical expertise with business leadership to shape Navigene’s mission of advancing preventive diagnostics. Beyond his executive responsibilities, he remains actively involved in core research and development, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in genetic science.

Outside of work, Dr. Dixit is a passionate cricket enthusiast and nurtures a personal aspiration to learn a musical instrument.