SAFE NIPT

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 risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Why this test?

• Screen for Down’s, Edward’s and Patau’s syndromes
• More accurate than the nuchal scan
• Results back in 5 days on average

What you will receive

• Full report on your NIPT results
• High or low risk 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 risk, 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 abnormalities. 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 3-7 days, so it is faster than the Panorama test.

You will receive a report telling you the risk of each of the conditions included in the test. For example, a low risk result for Down’s syndrome in the SAFE test means that the chance your baby is affected is less than 1 in 10,000. A high risk of Down’s syndrome would mean that the chance your baby has this condition is more than 99%.

What to Expect

• The SAFE test can be performed at any time after 10 weeks, so we recommend scheduling it before your nuchal 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 3-7 days.
• The SAFE test results will tell you if your baby is at high or low risk for each of the conditions that was included in the screening.
• If you receive any high risk 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 £100 (£150 for evening/weekend appointments) will be charged for the appointment only. If booked online, £400 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