Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests
We offer non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPTs) here at the Medical Chambers, the most advanced non-invasive pregnancy screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, Patau’s syndrome and a range of other chromosomal conditions.
NIPTs involve a simple blood test as early as 10 weeks into your pregnancy, and pose no risk to either you nor your baby. Along with our expert ultrasound scans, this quick, safe and easy test can provide reassurance and give you accurate information about your baby’s development, as soon as you need it.
What is a non-invasive prenatal test?
Non-invasive prenatal tests are advanced genetic tests that are carried out by taking a small blood sample from the mother’s arm, a simple and safe procedure, with no risk to the baby. They are based on the detection of small fragments of fetal DNA in the maternal blood, which are used to screen for Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.
If you are pregnant and considering an NIPT, it’s helpful to know that unlike an amniocentesis, there is no increased risk of miscarriage. You can have the blood test at the same time as your early pregnancy scan or 12 week ultrasound scan, and results are back within 2-5 days.
NIPTs have limitations: they are “screening” tests, as opposed to “diagnostic” tests. They evaluate the risk (not the certainty) of a baby having some genetic abnormality.
When to have a non-invasive prenatal blood test?
You can choose to have an NIPT from 10 weeks of your pregnancy. We recommend having the test at the same time as an early pregnancy ultrasound scan, a 12 week nuchal translucency scan or your 20 week anatomy and anomaly scan, and we will take your blood sample at the same time.
Who should have a prenatal blood test?
Every pregnancy is different, and it is important that you make the right choice according to your needs as parents. Here at the Medical Chambers, we suggest having a NIPT if your baby might be at increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
For example
- If you are over 35
- If you have had a high probability result from a nuchal translucency scan or your 20 week anomaly scan
- If you have had a confirmed chromosomal condition in a previous pregnancy, particularly after repeat miscarriages
- There is a family or personal history of genetic abnormalities
We also understand how each pregnancy is unique and how everyone needs different levels of reassurance and information. NIPTs are available to all parents, not just those in a high risk category. For example, some parents may simply wish to know that there is low risk of foetal abnormality early on, so that they can have peace of mind during the rest of the pregnancy. We do not require a referral from your doctor.
Can I have a non-invasive prenatal test instead of an amniocentesis?
NIPTs are the most up to date screening technology currently available and offer the possibility for many parents to avoid having to undergo an amniocentesis. If you have had a high probability result from your combined test at 12 weeks, or you are in a high risk category, you may wish to have an NIPT before an amniocentesis. It’s useful to know that the classic combined 12 week ultrasound scan and blood test is only 75-80% accurate in predicting the risk of Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21). By comparison, a NIPT is over 99% accurate in predicting the risk of Down’s Syndrome.
However, an amniocentesis is the only way you can be certain of whether or not your baby has Down’s syndrome, as it is a diagnostic test that looks directly at the baby’s chromosomes. During the procedure a very fine needle is used to withdraw some amniotic fluid around the baby, so it does carry a small risk of miscarriage (1 in 100).
NIPTs, on the other hand, are completely safe but it’s important to remember that they are screening tests that only evaluate the risk, rather than the certainty, of a baby having a chromosomal abnormality.
How to choose the right NIPT
Here at the Medical Chambers, we offer a choice of prenatal screening tests, which use the most sophisticated testing technology available. We explain below the key characteristics of each test, and provide a detailed comparison here, to give you as much information as possible so that you can make a decision that’s best for your circumstances.
Illumina Test: This has replaced the Harmony test, one of the most popular NIPTs among parents. It tests for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome (also known as Trisomy 21, 18 and 13 respectively). Results are given as either low, medium or high risk, with an accuracy rate or more than 99%. You can also find out your baby’s gender and whether there are any sex chromosome anomalies.
MaterniT21: This NIPT is similar in scope as the Illumina test and tests for Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndrome, gender and sex chromosome anomalies. Results are clear, with either a “positive” or “negative” outcome. Therefore, a negative result gives you the reassurance that no abnormalities have been identified with an accuracy rate of more than 99%. This offers you an added level of reassurance for high-risk pregnancies. Results are available within 5 days.
MaterniT Genome: This is the most comprehensive NIPT genetic screening test we offer, and looks at every single chromosome. As with the Illumina and MaterniT21 tests, it screens for Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndrome, but also tests for many other types of abnormalities.
Again, results offer a “positive” or “negative” outcome and the same reassurance for high-risk pregnancies as the MaterniT21 NIPT.
Can I have a non-invasive prenatal test without a scan at The Medical Chambers Kensington?
Our priority is always to make sure you and your baby are safe. We proceed with your chosen test only if all is going well at that point in your pregnancy. Therefore we always try to combine your early pregnancy scan (carried out at 10-11 weeks) or a 12 week scan with your appointment for the NIPT blood draw.
In some cases, we will offer a NIPT even if we haven’t carried out a scan at our own clinic. However, if you are less than 13 weeks into your pregnancy, we will ask you to bring the report of your most recent scan, which will have to be no more than 4 days before your blood draw.
Make an appointment for a private non-invasive prenatal test
If you would like to make an appointment please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online. No referral is needed.
You can also find a list of our fees and prices here.