Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPTs)
Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests safely and accurately assess the probability that a baby will be born with a chromosomal condition.
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What is NIPT?
Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPTs) are simple but highly accurate DNA/screening blood tests that indicate the probability of your baby having a chromosomal condition, including Down’s Syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau’s Syndrome (trisomy 13). The tests can also reveal the sex of your baby if you choose to find out.
NIPTs are done in conjunction with an ultrasound at either 9+1 or 10+0 weeks of gestation, depending on the type of test you have and can be performed in most types of pregnancies.
They are particularly recommended to women over 35 years of age, mothers who have had a high probability result in a previous pregnancy or have had a confirmed chromosomal condition in a previous pregnancy, as the probability of having a child with a chromosomal condition is increased in these instances.
We also recommended you have a NIPT if you’ve received a high-risk result from a nuchal translucency scan/combined screening scan, before you go on to have further diagnostic tests, which are more invasive.
At Welbeck, these tests and scans all take place within our state-of-the-art Women’s Health centre and are performed by our specialist sonographers.
What does NIPT screen for?
NIPT screens for the most common chromosomal abnormalities: Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), or Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13).
At Welbeck, we offer:
Illumia NIPT
SAFE Test
Panorama NIPT (with the option to include an extended microdeletion panel)
The Illumina NIPT analyses the DNA fragments in your blood, which come from specific chromosomes. If a particular proportion of these fragments produces a ‘too high’ or ‘too low’ result, this indicates that your baby could be affected by a chromosomal abnormality. If this happens, you may be offered the option to have further testing, which tests the chromosomes directly from the amniotic fluid or the placenta. This test can be done at 10+0 weeks of gestation.
The Panorama test can be performed as early as 9+1 weeks of pregnancy. Along with the Illumina NIPT, this is one of the most accurate non-invasive prenatal tests for the 3 most common chromosomal conditions – Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13). An option to test for Triploidy and sex chromosome conditions, such as Turner’s syndrome, is also available with the Panorama testing from 9+1 weeks of pregnancy.
What’s the difference between NIPT and combined screening?
The first-trimester combined screening test is performed using ‘markers’ when generating the probability of your baby being affected by a chromosomal abnormality. One of the markers used is the maternal age of 35 years or over. This means that if you’re over 35, your results could produce a false positive, making this test less accurate.
NIPTs, on the other hand, analyse the cell-free fetal DNA in your bloodstream, which is released from the placenta, providing the opportunity for highly accurate results.
Both methods of screening are used in conjunction with ultrasound. Ultrasound in pregnancy is an important part of screening for any abnormalities, as well as providing accurate measurements of the baby.
How is the NIPT performed?
At Welbeck, NIPT tests are performed by our experienced sonographers. They will first conduct an ultrasound scan, which will check for any structural abnormalities and provide an accurate measurement of your baby for the NIPT screening. Once the scan is complete, a sample of blood will be taken from your arm, which will be analysed in our lab.
To have NIPT, you’ll first attend a scan and consultation with one of our consultants.
During this appointment:
you’ll be given written information about NIPT to review
your consultant will explain the test, answer your questions, and discuss alternative options
if you wish to proceed, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form
a nurse at our Women’s Health clinic will take 1 tube of blood for the test
the initial consultation, blood pressure check, and ultrasound scan take around 60 minutes
Who can have NIPT?
NIPT can be performed in women aged 18 years or over who have a singleton or twin pregnancy at the following gestations:
Panorama test: from 9+1 weeks
Illumina and SAFE tests: from 10+0 weeks
The exact gestation must be confirmed by an ultrasound scan, which measures the baby’s size before testing.
NIPT cannot currently be used in the following situations:
pregnancies with more than 2 babies
if there is or has been a “vanishing twin”
Iif the mother has active cancer, a known chromosomal or genetic condition, or has undergone a blood transfusion, transplant, immunotherapy, or stem cell therapy in the last 3 months
If any of these apply to you, please discuss with us so we can advise on the most suitable options.
Are NIPTs safe?
The NIPTs offered at Welbeck are completely safe for both mum and baby and are highly accurate in detecting chromosomal conditions.
There are also no known risks to you or your baby from having an ultrasound scan, either with transabdominal or transvaginal imaging.
How to prepare for a NIPT
There’s no preparation required to have a NIPT.
What happens after a NIPT test?
The results of an Illumina test are usually available within 7 days.
The results of a Panorama test are usually available within 14 days.
If your result shows low probability, we’ll send it to you securely via encrypted email.
If any other outcome arises (high probability or inconclusive), we’ll arrange a telephone call or consultation to discuss this in detail.
Occasionally, technical issues can delay results — we’ll contact you promptly if this occurs or if a repeat sample is needed.
What might the results show?
Low Probability of Trisomy 21, 18, or 13
In most cases, the test will show a low probability, meaning your baby is very unlikely to have one of these conditions. This is usually reported as a chance of less than 1 in 10,000. A low probability result does not completely exclude these conditions, but the likelihood is extremely small.
High Probability of Trisomy 21, 18, or 13
In a small number of cases, the test may show a high probability result (for example, a chance greater than 99 in 100). This does not mean your baby definitely has one of these conditions, but it indicates that diagnostic testing (CVS or amniocentesis) should be considered to confirm.
Inconclusive or no result
Around 2% of tests do not return a result, usually due to insufficient levels of fetal DNA in the blood sample. This does not necessarily mean there’s a problem with the baby. We’ll discuss options with you if this occurs — and the test can often be repeated at no extra cost, with a successful result obtained in about 50–60% of cases.
What happens if the result is high-risk?
It’s important to remember that the NIPT is a form of screening testing, not a diagnostic test. If your results show a high chance of having a baby affected by a chromosomal condition, one of our expert sonographers or specialist fetal medicine consultants will offer you support and counselling and discuss the results with you. This will include advice on any next steps required or the possible option of having a diagnostic screening test, such as a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
How much does a private NIPT cost?
At Welbeck, a NIPT costs £450. This includes the ultrasound scan and blood test.
Why choose Welbeck?
It’s common to feel worried or anxious during pregnancy, at any stage. At Welbeck, we offer expectant parents peace of mind through advanced fetal monitoring and testing and are committed to supporting you at every stage of your pregnancy.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, we are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Booking a private NIPT
If you’d like to book a private NIPT, simply get in touch with our Women’s Health centre to make an appointment.
FAQs
Does the test work for everyone?
Due to the limitations of the test, inaccurate or no results are possible – it’s estimated that around 2 in 100 women will require a repeat blood test. On rare occasions, it’s not possible to obtain the correct amount of cfDNA and perform the NIPT. This is normally due to the complex biology of pregnancy.
When is the best time to have a NIPT?
NIPT tests can be performed as early as 10 weeks of gestation. It’s recommended that a NIPT be performed as early as possible to provide you with early reassurance. Performing the test early in your pregnancy also allows the time to repeat the test if there is a ‘no call result’. In cases of any high-risk findings, it also provides us with the chance to make appropriate, timely referrals for further testing.
Do I need other scans or tests in pregnancy?
Yes. The NIPT is a screening test and does not assess the baby for any structural abnormalities such as spine/heart, or brain malformations. We highly recommend you have the first trimester/nuchal scan, along with the second trimester anatomy scan and a third trimester wellbeing scan.
How accurate are NIPT tests?
NIPT is the most accurate screening test in medicine, with a published detection rate of 99.9% for trisomies 21, 18, and 13.