NIPT- Non Invasive Prenatal Testing
Early Answers, Greater Reassurance
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a highly accurate blood test that screens for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, and selected sex chromosome conditions.
Available from 10 weeks of pregnancy, it provides earlier and more accurate reassurance than standard screening. If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, we will also perform an ultrasound scan to check how the pregnancy is developing, confirm your dates, and see whether you are expecting one baby or more.
Make an Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is NIPT?
NIPT analyses small fragments of placental DNA circulating in your bloodstream to estimate the chance of certain chromosomal conditions affecting your baby.
It is a screening test, not a diagnostic test, but it is more accurate than traditional combined screening.
What Conditions Does NIPT Screen For?
All standard NIPT tests screen for:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
Depending on the package selected, screening may also include sex chromosome conditions and fetal sex, this is discussed at the appointment.
When Can NIPT Be Performed?
NIPT can be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy onwards with a simple maternal blood test.
Many women choose to combine NIPT with an early ultrasound scan for additional reassurance and accurate dating.
How Does NIPT Differ from Hospital Combined Screening?
Hospital combined screening is usually offered between 11 and 14 weeks and combines a blood test with ultrasound measurement of the nuchal translucency (NT).
NIPT can be performed earlier, from 10 weeks, and is significantly more accurate. For Down syndrome, it detects more than 99% of affected pregnancies and has a much lower false positive rate than standard screening, providing greater reassurance and reducing the need for unnecessary invasive testing.
How Accurate Is NIPT?
NIPT is highly accurate, particularly for Down syndrome, with detection rates greater than 99%.
Although very reliable, it remains a screening test. Any high-risk result should be confirmed with diagnostic testing.
What Happens During the Appointment?
Your appointment includes a consultation to discuss your pregnancy, and screening options, followed by a blood test.
If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, we will also perform an ultrasound scan to check how the pregnancy is developing, confirm your dates, and see whether you are expecting one baby or more.
Results are typically available within 5–10 working days, and will be shared via email.
What Happens If My Result Is High Risk?
If your result indicates an increased chance of a chromosomal condition, we will bring you back in to explain the findings carefully and discuss further testing and support options.
Our team will guide you through the next steps with sensitivity and clarity.
Conditions
Using ultrasound guidance, with gas and air available for comfort if needed.
