Uptake of fetal aneuploidy screening after the introduction of the non‐invasive prenatal test: A national population‐based register study

Introduction The introduction of the non‐invasive prenatal test (NIPT) has shifted the prenatal screening landscape. Countries are exploring ways to integrate NIPT in their national prenatal screening programs, either as a first‐ or second‐tier test. This study aimed to describe how the uptake of fetal aneuploidy screening changed after the introduction of NIPT as a second‐tier and as a first‐tier test within the national prenatal screening program of the Netherlands. Material and methods A population‐based register study in the Netherlands, recording uptake of fetal aneuploidy screening. Data from all pregnant women choosing to have the first‐trimester combined test (FCT) or first‐tier NIPT between January 2007 and March 2019 were retrospectively collected using national registration systems. Uptake percentages for fetal aneuploidy screening (FCT and NIPT) were calculated and stratified by region and maternal age. Statistical significance was determined using trend analysis and chi‐squared tests. Results Between 2007 and 2013 FCT uptake increased from 14.8% to 29.5% (P = .004). In April 2014 NIPT was introduced as a second‐tier test for high‐risk women after FCT (TRIDENT‐1 study). FCT uptake rose from 29.5% in 2013 to 34.2% in 2015 (P