Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT)

Non-invasive prenatal testing in the UK

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) allows the examination of your baby’s DNA through one simple blood test before they’re born. It’s a safe way to identify any potential genetic conditions and screen for various syndromes. NIPT tests use DNA technology to assess the chance of your child having certain chromosome conditions.

At Stem Protect we can offer a private NIPT test in the UK for pregnant women in your own home. This is a quick and safe procedure carried out by professionals that could help protect your child’s future health and provide peace of mind before the big day.

Call 0800 211 8389 or contact us online to arrange a NIPT test in the UK. Speak to one of our experts for answers to any of your questions or more information about NIPT screening and testing today.

What is a NIPT test?

A NIPT test is a blood test carried out on pregnant women to determine whether the child they’re carrying may have a chance of having various chromosome conditions. NIPT screening and testing examines small bits of DNA released from the placenta that are isolated from the mother’s blood.

The test looks for the presence of an extra chromosome or for a missing chromosome that might mean the baby is at risk of developing a disorder. NIPT is a screening test and does not provide a definitive answer about whether a foetus has a genetic condition. It only estimates if the chance is increased or decreased.

Non-invasive prenatal testing is safe and should not harm the mother or baby as blood is only drawn from the pregnant woman. The test can also identify gender chromosomes with gender identification accurate to 99%. However, we recognise that not all parents want to know their baby’s gender, so it’s only supplied on request.

When is non-invasive prenatal testing done?

NIPT is available from as early as ten weeks into pregnancy. This is because there’s not normally enough foetal DNA in the mother’s blood before then. NIPT screening can give parents early warning of such life-changing conditions as Down’s Syndrome. You can get non-invasive prenatal testing done anytime following the first ten weeks through to delivery.

How does non-invasive prenatal testing work?

Arrange a NIPT test in the UK and we’ll come to you. One of our medical professionals will take a sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample can be taken in the comfort of your own home. This sample is transported to our laboratory where it’s analysed and then you receive the results.

Cells in our bodies constantly break down and form new cells. When this happens tiny DNA fragments are released from these cells and end up in the bloodstream. During pregnancy cells from the placenta can shed and small amounts of foetal DNA circulate in the maternal bloodstream.

DNA from the placenta is normally identical to that of the foetus. However, it can take ten weeks before enough of this DNA is in the mother’s bloodstream. After this point taking a blood sample from the pregnant woman should provide enough foetal DNA for testing.

What does non-invasive prenatal testing test for?

Non-invasive prenatal testing screens for a range of potential chromosomal conditions and birth disorders. This includes a possible prenatal diagnosis for:

• Down’s Syndrome – affects 1 in 1,000 babies and can now be detected before birth.
• Edwards’ Syndrome – affects 1 in 6,000 births and causes serious medical conditions. Most babies born with Edwards’ Syndrome die within a year.
• Patau’s Syndrome – an extreme condition which affects 1-in-5,000 births
• Klinefelter Syndrome – an extra X chromosome in male babies can lead to reduced fertility in later life, among other symptoms.
• Turner Syndrome – the presence of only a single X chromosome (instead of the paired XX) in baby girls may affect the child when they reach puberty.
• Jacob’s Syndrome – the addition of an additional Y chromosome in baby boys can result in low testosterone levels, among other issues.
• Triple X – an additional X chromosome present in baby girls, which may lead to learning difficulties.

How long do NIPT results take?

Non-invasive prenatal testing results can take up to two weeks. In some cases, you may receive them sooner or later. NIPT results time can vary depending on a few factors. One of our experts can advise you on how long to expect your results at the point when you arrange a NIPT test.

How much does NIPT testing cost?

NIPT testing costs can vary depending on various factors such as the provider, what conditions are tested for, your location in the UK, and how quickly you want the results. The easiest way to see how much an NIPT test costs is to contact us today for a free consultation.

Speak to one of our expert team for a free consultation to find out how much a NIPT scan could cost you.

Arrange NIPT testing

Organise non-invasive prenatal testing in the UK to assess and protect your baby’s health early on. We can talk you through the NIPT screening process and answer any questions to put you at ease. Once you’ve booked a private NIPT test, one of our professional medical experts can visit your home at a convenient time to collect the blood sample.

Your sample will be tested in our accredited laboratory facilities with full confidentiality assured. Speak to the experts at Stem Protect about an important NIPT test to safeguard your child’s future health. Call 0800 211 8389 or contact us online.

If you’ve just had a child, congratulations! You can also find out more about newborn screening.