NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is an advanced DNA-based blood screening technology that assesses the risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) from as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy. At Numi Scan South East London, we offer NIPT, which provides greater accuracy than traditional Down syndrome blood tests and significantly lowers the risk of false-positive results. This reduces the likelihood of needing follow-up diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis.
During pregnancy, your blood contains fragments of your baby's DNA. The Illumina Prenatal Test analyses this DNA to assess the risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and other genetic conditions. Additionally, NIPT testing can optionally determine the foetal sex at no extra cost. Please note that NIPT does not screen for non-chromosome disorders, familial mutations, malformations, foetal growth issues, or foetal viability.
NIPT Screening is available for pregnancies of at least 10 weeks gestation. It is suitable for both single and twin pregnancies, whether conceived naturally or through IVF using the patient’s or a donor’s egg.
For twin pregnancies, the test can identify the foetal sex based on sex chromosomes (X and Y) but does not screen for sex chromosome conditions. If there is a vanishing twin, this test may not be suitable. Results for twins will be reported as a single outcome: if male, at least one twin will be male; if female, both twins will be female.
NIPT Standard & Nipt Advanced
NIPT STANDARD £399
NIPT ADVANCE £449
Starting from 10 weeks of pregnancy, the NIPT Test assesses the risk of three major genetic conditions:
Note that NIPT testing does not assess the risk for mosaicism, partial trisomies or translocations
NIPT testing is validated and trusted by clinicians worldwide for pregnant women of all ages and risk categories.
Unlike other tests for Down syndrome that require multiple clinic visits and are performed later in pregnancy, NIPT provides clear answers as early as the first trimester with just one blood draw.
The test provides a clear assessment of the risk for the genetic conditions included in the screening (see above). All results will be communicated to you by Numi Scan South East London. In the meantime, you should continue with your regular scan appointments.
Results will be available within 5 business days, and we will notify you by email as soon as we receive them. Please note that about 3 out of 100 women may need a repeat test. We typically receive results for approximately two-thirds of these samples, and there will be no charge if we cannot obtain a result.
If the NIPT test indicates a high risk for trisomy 21, 18, or 13, it does not confirm the presence of these conditions but suggests further investigation. For definitive diagnosis, a CVS or amniocentesis is required, which are invasive procedures performed in hospitals. Conversely, if the NIPT/Illumina test shows a low risk (less than 1 in 10,000), it is unlikely that the foetus has these conditions.
The NIPT test does not identify physical abnormalities such as heart or brain issues, spina bifida, or foetal growth problems. It is advisable to complement NIPT with NHS ultrasound scans at 11-13 weeks and 20-22 weeks for a detailed assessment of foetal anatomy, and at 30-32 weeks if needed for growth evaluation.
The VeriSeq NIPT Solution V2 is not validated for pregnancies involving more than two foetuses, foetal demise, mosaicism, partial chromosome aneuploidy, triploidy, translocations, maternal aneuploidy, transplant, malignancy, or neural tube defects. Certain rare biological conditions may affect test accuracy.
A low-risk result does not guarantee that the foetus is free from chromosomal or genetic conditions, as some non-aneuploid foetuses may still show high-risk results. Confirmatory testing is required for a definitive diagnosis if high-risk results are indicated or if there are other clinical signs of a chromosomal condition.
For twin pregnancies, a high-risk result applies to at least one foetus. Male results pertain to one or both foetuses, while female results indicate that both foetuses are female. Due to test limitations, some inaccuracies may occur.
Lovely place, Nathan made me feel really comfortable during the scan, very friendly and helpful. Was amazing to see and find out what me and my husband are having for our child and would highly recommend.
Myself and my husband wanted to book a gender scan, and after seeing all the good reviews Numi Scan had we felt like it was the right one to go for. We were not disappointed with our choice, the premises is nice and clean, and Nathan was really personable.
Amazing! I’ve had 5 scans at Numi scan; an early pregnancy reassurance scan, 3 well being scans, and a super star 4D baby scan. Nathan is amazing every single time, the reassurance he’s given me throughout my pregnancy has been an absolute godsend.
NIPT is highly accurate, but there is a possibility of false positives. If you receive a high-probability result for Down syndrome, there is about a 20% chance (1 in 5) that the result could be incorrect and your foetus does not actually have Down syndrome. Among non-invasive tests, NIPT offers the highest accuracy available
No, NIPT does not screen for conditions like autism or birth defects such as open neural tube defects. It is specifically designed to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome
If your NIPT test fails, don’t worry, you won’t be charged and we will arrange a repeat test with a new blood sample. Sometimes, there isn’t enough genetic material (DNA) from the pregnancy in the blood sample, a situation known as low foetal fraction