Non-Invasive Prenatal Test

• Appointments available every day, including evening and weekends.
• Includes an Early Fetal Ultrasound Scan, Early Anatomy Ultrasound Scan or Anomaly scan (dependent on gestation at time of appointment) by our Advanced Sonographers
• Results in 3-14 calendar days.
• Can be performed from 10 weeks 
• Electronic transmission of scan to your email via YourBabyScan
• Optional sex determination included

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NIPT Scan Online

 

• Book NIPT Scan(10-40 Weeks) >
• Harmony NIPT(10-40 Weeks) >
• Panorama NIPT(10-40 Weeks)>
• Safe NIPT(10-40 Weeks)>

What is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing?

It has been discovered that a blood sample taken from the mother at any time from approximately 10 weeks of pregnancy can be analysed for cell free fetal DNA, which is essentially a marker in the mother’s blood of the DNA of the baby. The result of the simple blood test has a high detection rate which will hugely reduce the need for invasive testing by CVS or amniocentesis. This is great news for expectant couples. It is important that an ultrasound scan is performed just before the blood test to confirm the pregnancy, and to check if the mother is carrying twins or more. NIPT can now be used in twin, singleton donor and surrogate pregnancies.

Who needs Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing?

Expectant couples who are anxious about their baby having a chromosomal abnormality such as Downs, Edwards or Patau's syndrome. Women who may need it are those that are older (particularly over 40 years), have already had a chromosomally abnormal pregnancy or who are at particular risk of miscarriage should they have an amniocentesis or chorionic villous sample.

How is the test performed?

• An ultrasound scan is always performed first.
• This is a simple blood test from the vein in the woman's arm like any other blood test. There is no risk to baby from mum having the blood test performed.
• The blood sample tubes are immediately packaged and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.

How long does it take to get a result?

The result is usually available within 3-14 calendar days. There is approximately a 5% chance that no result is obtained with Harmony, 4% with Panorama and less than 3% with SAFE test. If the test is unsuccessful an offer of a repeat test is made free of charge. In rare circumstances the result can take longer than 14 days. We understand it can be a stressful time waiting for results and we will endeavour to communicate any delays to our patients as soon as we receive information from the laboratory.

How is the result expressed?

The result is expressed as a probability. This is not a positive or negative test, it is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. A result from of a low probability test is shown below. A low probability test result provides a probability of the targeted chromosomal problems determined as a probability of less than 1:10000. A high probability result does not confirm that a baby has the targeted chromosomal condition. An amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling (CVS) is necessary to give a diagnosis. Genetic counselling is recommended in the case of a high probability result.

• Harmony Test Result (Low Probability)
• Harmony Test Result (High Probability)
• Panorama Test Result (High Probability)
•  Panorama Test Result (Low Probability)

How much does it cost?

There is the option of three different Non Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPT) at The Birth Company; Panorama Test, Harmony Test and Safe Test, costing from £500 each. Panorama NIPT is the most preferred option by our patients. 

Appointments after 5pm, weekend and bank holiday appointments incur a £50 surcharge.
Included with every NIPT is an ultrasound scan performed by one of our Advanced Sonographers. 
NIPT appointments with the Consultant incur an additional charge of £150. Please note Dr Gibb is available on Thursday afternoons. 

What happens after the test?

Depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, we recommend you take the opportunity to have a 12 week scan privately or with the NHS. The focus of the 12 week scan will change as you will already have the result of the Downs syndrome test, so the 12 week scan will look at the baby in detail for structural abnormalities (these may exist without the presence of a chromosomal condition). The next routine ultrasound scan performed privately,or within the NHS, is the 20 week anomaly scan. If the NIPT is low probability then it is important that the person conducting the 12 week scan is aware of this. If the test is high probability then you should return to The Birth Company or your NHS unit for further counselling. 

Many patients choose to upgrade to the comprehensive Gold Package - 
Click Here for more details.

Are there problems this test will not detect?

Yes. Structural abnormalities such as Spina Bifida, heart defects and a poorly growing baby will only be demonstrated on ultrasound scans, often not until the second and third trimester.

TBC Recommends

Gold package with our Sonographer - Click Here for more details.

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 in the instance of a repeat full test failure, the NIPT laboratory fees may be refunded. A fee for the appointment services provided will be retained.

Please note Anticoagulation therapy (commonly called 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

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NIPT Scan Online