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.
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.
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) 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
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.
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