SAFE Non Invasive Prenatal Test cffDNA - NIPT from 10 weeks of pregnancy

What is SAFE NIPT?

The SAFE test is a type of NIPT that can be used to screen for conditions such as Down’s syndrome during pregnancy. It is a simple blood test that can determine whether your baby is at high or low probability of chromosomal conditions.

Why this test?

  • Screen for Down’s, Edward’s and Patau’s syndromes
  • Greater detection than the Nuchal Translucency Scan
  • Results back in 7 days on average

What you will receive

  • Full report on your NIPT results
  • High or low probability result for each condition
  • Complete ultrasound scan report

When Should You Have SAFE NIPT?

The SAFE test is a blood test that can be performed from just 10 weeks into your pregnancy. It can screen for the most common forms of trisomy: Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome and Patau’s syndrome. You can also choose to find out your baby’s gender using this test.

NIPT can provide important information about all pregnancies, but it is particularly valuable if you are at higher probability, for example if you are older parents. The SAFE test can’t screen for all of the conditions that are covered by the Harmony and Panorama tests, but it can be a good option if you are only interested in the more common types of chromosomal conditions. The SAFE test has the lowest redraw rate (when a second blood sample if required to complete the test) and the results should be back within 5-10 days, so it is faster than the Panorama test.

You will receive a report telling you the probability of each of the conditions included in the test. For example, a low probability result for Down’s syndrome in the SAFE test means that the chance your baby is affected is less than 1 in 10,000. 

What to Expect

  • The SAFE test can be performed at any time after 10 weeks, so we recommend scheduling it before your Nuchal Translucency Scan.
  • We will begin with an ultrasound scan to check on your baby.
  • NIPT is a blood test, so we will take a small sample to send to the lab for the SAFE test. The results should be ready in about 5-10 days.
  • The SAFE test results will tell you if your baby is at high or low probability for each of the conditions that was included in the screening.
  • If you receive any high probability results, then you will be able to talk to one of our NIPT experts. You should also discuss the results with your midwife or obstetrician. You may want to arrange further tests, such as amniocentesis, to confirm the result.

Arranging Your SAFE NIPT

We can perform the SAFE test at any time after 10 weeks, but the best time to have it is before the Nuchal ultrasound. If you would like to book your NIPT appointment in Cheshire, then it’s easy to do so through our online system. You should also feel free to get in touch if you need more advice on NIPT or help selecting the right test for you.

 

Please note in the circumstance that during your appointment an ultrasound scan is performed but we do not proceed to the NIPT, a fee of £120 (£180 for evening/weekend appointments) will be charged for the appointment only. If booked online, £380 will be refunded to you.

Please note Anticoagulation therapy (blood thinners such as Clexane) can increase the possibility of receiving No Result for your NIPT. Please leave as long between administering your dose and your NIPT appointment as possible. For example, if you administer in the evening and have an early morning appointment, either change to an appointment late in the day, or refrain from your evening dose. If you administer in the morning, refrain from that dose until after your appointment. If you have any queries regarding this, please contact our team admin@thebirthcompany.co.uk.

For further information please see below:
Anticoagulation Therapy Publication

Patient Information

Some early pregnancy ultrasound scans are performed using a transvaginal probe technique. This technique is used to view the pelvic anatomy optimally, as the ultrasound probe can transmit safe ultrasound waves more directly to the pelvic area. In later stages of pregnancy, it may be advised to perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan to have a closer look at a baby’s anatomy, or to assess the maternal cervix.

There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan. Transvaginal ultrasound scans can safely be performed during episodes of vaginal bleeding. 

It is important that you understand the procedure that is associated with this examination.

The ultrasound transducer will be placed in the vagina (the probe is prepared using high grade medical disinfectant)
The transducer will be introduced with a latex / non latex type covering and sterile ultrasound gel.
It will be necessary to move the transducer from side to side, up and down and may be swivelled to obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic anatomy.
If you prefer, you may insert the transducer yourself, otherwise the person conducting the examination will do this.
A third person may be present during the examination acting as a chaperone, if required by the sonographer or yourself.
You may request the examination to be stopped at any time during the procedure.   

Contraindications 

If you are a virgin (Virgo intacta; hymen intact), guidance determines that transvaginal ultrasound scans are clinically contraindicated. If you have discussed this concern with your referrer and wish to proceed with a transvaginal ultrasound scan, this type of examination can be performed.
 
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SAFE NIPT Online

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