NIPT testing is a DNA-based blood screening technology that measures the risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) from as early as 10 weeks in pregnancy. Numi Scan Derby offers NIPT Testing which is more accurate than a traditional NHS Down syndrome blood test, meaning it is much less likely to give a false-positive result compared to traditional testing (such as the first-trimester screening test). This reduces the chances that your doctor would recommend follow-up diagnostic testing, such as amniocentesis.
When you are pregnant, your blood contains fragments of your baby's DNA. NIPT analyses DNA in a sample of your blood to predict the risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and certain other genetic conditions.
In addition, NIPT testing can assess foetal sex which is optional (no additional cost).
NIPT does not screen for non-chromosome disorders, familial mutations, malformations, foetal growth or foetal viability.
NIPT Screening is available for any women with pregnancies of at least the 10-week gestation period. The test covers single and twin pregnancies, including those conceived naturally or by IVF using the patient's or a donor's egg.
In twin pregnancies the sex chromosomes (X and Y) analysis can determine foetal sex but not sex chromosome conditions, meaning this test is not suitable in cases of a vanishing twin. The sex of twins will be given as one single result. If male, one or both twins will be male. If female, both twins will be female.
Note that NIPT testing does not assess the risk for mosaicism, partial trisomies or translocations
NIPT testing is validated for pregnant women of any age or risk category and is trusted by clinicians worldwide.
As early as 10 weeks the NIPT Test screens for the risk of 3 major syndromes:
Other commonly used tests for Down syndrome are performed later in pregnancy and require multiple clinic visits. NIPT delivers clear answers as early as the first trimester with a single blood draw.
The test result will give you a clear answer about the risk to your pregnancy of having any of the genetic conditions included in the test (see above). All results will be given to you by Numi Scan Derby, meanwhile, you should continue with your usual scan appointments.
The results from the test will be available within 5 business days and we will notify you as soon as we receive them by email.
Please note, 3 out of 100 women will require a repeat test. We receive a result in approximately two-thirds of these samples. Patients will not be charged if we are unable to obtain a result
If the NIPT test shows that there is a high risk that the foetus has trisomy 21, 18 or 13, it does not mean that the foetus definitely has one of these defects. If you want to be certain that the foetus has one of these defects then you should have a CVS or amnio test which is carried out in hospitals as it is an invasive procedure requiring sample cells from the placenta.
If the NIPT test shows that there is a low risk (less than 1 in 10,000) that the foetus has trisomy 21, 18 or 13 it is unlikely that the foetus has one of these defects.
The NIPT test does not cover physical abnormalities like heart or brain issues, spina bifida, or foetal growth. It's recommended to complement with NHS ultrasound scans at 11-13 and 20-22 weeks for foetal anatomy, and at 30-32 weeks if needed for growth assessment.
VeriSeq NIPT Solution V2 isn't validated for pregnancies involving more than two foetuses, foetal demise, mosaicism, partial chromosome aneuploidy, triploidy, translocations, maternal aneuploidy, transplant, malignancy, or neural tube defects. Test accuracy might be affected by certain rare biological conditions.
A low probability outcome doesn't ensure a foetus is free from chromosomal or genetic conditions. Some non-aneuploid foetuses may yield high-probability results. Confirmatory testing is needed for diagnoses in cases of high probability results or other clinical indications of a chromosomal condition.
For twin pregnancies, high probability applies to at least one foetus; male results relate to one or both foetuses; female results relate to both. Inaccuracies can occur due to test limitations.
When NIPT gives a high-probability result when the foetus does not actually have the condition. If you receive a high probability result for Down’s syndrome, there is a 1 in 5 (20%) chance that the result could be wrong and your foetus does not have Down’s. As far as non-invasive tests go, this is as accurate as it gets.
No. NIPT screening doesn’t detect birth defects like open neural tube defects, or other conditions, such as autism.
Don’t worry, you won’t be charged and we will repeat the test again with a fresh blood sample. Sometimes there just isn’t enough genetic material (DNA) from the pregnancy in the blood sample. This is called a foetal fraction.
