Private Non-Invasive Prenatal Test NIPT
From 10 - 40 Weeks | Pregnancy Scan Included

A Non-Invasive Prenatal Test - NIPT is a non-invasive prenatal test that looks for several chromosomal conditions in pregnancies as early as ten weeks gestation.

When you are pregnant, your blood contains small amounts of your baby’s DNA. During the test, you will undertake a blood test, allowing medical specialists to learn more about your baby and provide accurate likelihoods of common chromosome conditions, including trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.

Sex chromosome anomalies, including Turner and Klinefelter syndrome, are also assessed. The test is highly accurate and is significantly better than traditional screening tools. (Please ask for further information about this option at your appointment.)

We understand the health of your baby is of paramount importance. A NIPT can give you peace of mind during early pregnancy.

A Non-Invasive Prenatal Test NIPT results show whether there is a high or low chance your baby has trisomy 21, trisomy 18, or trisomy 13.

• Test results that indicate a high likelihood do not mean that your baby definitely has one of the above conditions. Confirmed diagnosis can only be made through Chorionic Villus Sampling or Amniocentesis.

• Test results that indicate that your baby has a low chance of trisomy 21, trisomy 18 or trisomy 13 mean the likehood is very low and further tests are not required.

Your pregnancy journey is unique, and we believe in patient-centred care that ensures you maintain control of your health. The Prenatal Test can also be used to uncover additional information about your baby, including:

• Sex. You can find out whether your baby is male or female – the Prenatal Test can also determine the sex of twins.

• Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy. This condition occurs when a baby has differences in the number of X and Y chromosomes. This can result in learning and behavioural difficulties and other health concerns in some cases.

• Monosomy X, also known as Turner Syndrome. This condition occurs in females missing an X chromosome. They may have heart, learning, or endocrine problems.

If you would like to learn more about the above conditions and whether you are at a higher risk, please speak to your trusted doctor.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPT). Results boast a remarkable identification rate of 99% for pregnancies with trisomy 21, trisomy 18, or trisomy 13.

Unlike other blood tests, which overlook one in five pregnancies with trisomy 21, trisomy 18, or trisomy 13. NIPT offers peace of mind with its precision.

An inconclusive Non-Invasive Prenatal Test result means that there was not enough information obtained from the test to determine whether your baby is at risk for certain chromosomal abnormalities.

This can happen for various reasons, such as not having enough foetal DNA in the sample.

It's understandable to feel concerned or uncertain after receiving an inconclusive Prenatal NIPT test result.

We will recommend repeat testing to get a clearer picture of your baby's health. This may an additional 1-2 weeks after the initial sample.

Inconclusive NIPT results are relatively rare. You shouldn’t worry.

It's important to keep in mind that an inconclusive result does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with your pregnancy.

Should the results come back inconclusive, our team will get in touch with you for further steps.

An inconclusive Non-Invasive Prenatal Test result does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with your pregnancy.

It simply means that more information is needed to determine the likelihood of certain chromosomal abnormalities.

We are happy to provide guidance and support throughout your pregnancy and help you make informed decisions about necessary testing or treatment.

The health of you and your baby are your priorities. While the Prenatal Test provides accurate information about some chromosome conditions, it cannot detect others.

For example, this non-invasive prenatal test cannot provide information on some rare chromosomal abnormalities. If your 11-13-week scan shows a high nuchal translucency (3.5 mm or more) or significant defects (such as exomphalos, holoprosencephaly, heart abnormalities, or megacysis), the likelihood of rare chromosomal conditions may be elevated.

If this is your experience, you may wish to undergo invasive testing using chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis (amnio). However, current literature puts this risk at approximately 0.5% chance with single and 1% with twins.

In addition, the Prenatal Test doesn’t offer information on physical defects. This includes heart and brain conditions and spina bifida. It doesn’t provide details on foetal growth, either.

Therefore, we highly advise undergoing safe and non-invasive ultrasound scans at the 11-13- and 20-22-week milestones to check foetal anatomy and well-being. An additional growth scan at 30-32 weeks can examine foetal growth.

If you have any questions about your baby’s health and the tests you might need, please do not hesitate to reach out. We’d be more than happy to discuss your concerns.

Generally, the Prenatal Test is recommended for pregnancies classified as higher risk. Chromosomal conditions are not usually hereditary and can occur in any pregnancy. And while the likelihood of having a baby with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) increases as you age, most babies with trisomy 21 are born to parents under 35.

If you would like to learn more about your risk level and whether this non-invasive prenatal test is right for you, get in touch or speak with your trusted healthcare professional.

The Prenatal Test is performed in two parts, both non-invasive.

First, you will have an ultrasound scan. Ultrasounds allow your specialist to see inside of your body, so they can confirm you are at the ten-plus-week gestational mark. Ultrasounds don’t use radiation and are safe for you and your baby.

Second, you will have a blood test. Your blood will be sent to a laboratory and analysed by specialists.

Your results will be sent to you in 5 - 7 business days.

An early pregnancy scan is usually performed shortly after finding out you are pregnant.

This is usually 6 to 8 weeks after conception and the purpose of the scan is to confirm the pregnancy, assess early viability and to provide an accurate date of the pregnancy (the scan is often referred to as viability or dating scan).

If you experience any pain or bleeding in your early pregnancy, we advise having an ultrasound to check all is well. If you have experienced a miscarriage previously, we also advise having an early pregnancy ultrasound to assess the pregnancy.

We aim to provide you with the confidence and reassurance you deserve in the hands of our experienced team.

A sample of the mother’s blood is taken (usually from the arm). This is then sent to specialist’s labs with a result ready in 7 – 10 working days.

For your Early Pregnancy Ultrasound we advise drinking a few glasses of water an hour before your ultrasound as a full bladder will improve the visibility of your pregnancy on our external ultrasound scan.

Your doctor or midwife will want to know the results of the NIPT and are likely to ask you for a copy.

If any concerns arise regarding your test results, rest assured, we're here to support you.

Patients with a high chance of results may benefit from speaking to genetic counsellors.

We can help facilitate you with a qualified NHS team or guide you to the private Foetal Medicine Centre located on Harley Street. Your peace of mind is our priority.

There is no particular type of care required after a female health check ultrasound. You may resume your regular diet and daily activities unless your doctor advises you differently.

There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound at the intensity levels used in diagnostic ultrasound.

But depending on your particular results, the doctor may give you additional or alternative instructions after the procedure.

Many of our patients are concerned that if they come to us for an ultrasound, they won’t be able to go back to public health. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached.

When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day.

We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health.

If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.