Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is an advanced DNA-based blood screening method that assesses the risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy. Numi Scan Lanarkshire provides NIPT testing, which offers greater accuracy than traditional Down syndrome blood tests, significantly lowering the likelihood of false-positive results compared to conventional methods like first-trimester screening. This reduces the need for your doctor to recommend further diagnostic procedures, such as amniocentesis.
During pregnancy, fragments of your baby’s DNA circulate in your blood. The Harmony Prenatal Test analyses this DNA to assess the risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and certain other genetic conditions. Additionally, NIPT testing can determine the baby’s sex, which is optional and comes at no extra cost.
Please note that NIPT does not screen for non-chromosomal disorders, familial mutations, malformations, foetal growth, or foetal viability.
NIPT screening is available for women with pregnancies of at least 10 weeks gestation. The test is suitable for both single and twin pregnancies, whether conceived naturally or through IVF using either the patient’s or a donor’s egg.
For twin pregnancies, the test can determine foetal sex based on the analysis of the sex chromosomes (X and Y). Still, it cannot detect sex chromosome conditions, making it unsuitable in cases of a vanishing twin. The sex of the twins will be reported as a single result. If the result indicates male, one or both twins are male; if female, both twins are 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 all over the world.
From as early as 10 weeks the NIPT Test screens for the risk of the following 3 major syndromes:
Traditional tests for Down syndrome are typically done later in pregnancy and often require multiple clinic visits. In contrast, NIPT provides clear results as early as the first trimester with just one blood draw. Here's what to expect during an NIPT test:
The NIPT test will provide you with a clear assessment of the risk that your pregnancy may involve any of the genetic conditions covered by the test. All results will be communicated to you by Numi Scan Lanarkshire. In the meantime, it’s important to continue attending your regular scan appointments.
Results are typically available within 5 business days. We will notify you via email as soon as they are received.
Please note that 3 out of 100 women may need a repeat test. We successfully obtain results from about two-thirds of these repeat samples. There is no charge if we are unable to obtain a result
If the NIPT test indicates a high risk that the foetus has trisomy 21, 18, or 13, it does not confirm that the foetus definitely has one of these conditions. To be certain, further testing, such as a CVS or amniocentesis, would be required. These are invasive procedures performed in hospitals, where a sample of cells is taken from the placenta.
If the NIPT/Harmony test shows a low risk (less than 1 in 10,000) for trisomy 21, 18, or 13, it is unlikely that the foetus has one of these conditions.
The NIPT test does not screen for physical abnormalities such as heart or brain issues, spina bifida, or foetal growth concerns. It is recommended to complement NIPT with NHS ultrasound scans at 11-13 weeks and 20-22 weeks to assess foetal anatomy, and at 30-32 weeks if further growth assessment is needed.
The VeriSeq NIPT Solution V2 is not validated for certain conditions, including pregnancies involving more than two foetuses, foetal demise, mosaicism, partial chromosome aneuploidy, triploidy, translocations, maternal aneuploidy, transplant, malignancy, or neural tube defects. Additionally, certain rare biological conditions may affect the accuracy of the test.
A low probability result does not guarantee that the foetus is free from chromosomal or genetic conditions. Some non-aneuploid foetuses may still produce high-probability results. Therefore, confirmatory testing is required to diagnose any conditions if high probability results or other clinical indicators of a chromosomal condition are present.
In twin pregnancies, a high probability result indicates that at least one foetus is affected. If the result shows male, it applies to one or both foetuses; if female, it applies to both. However, test limitations can lead to inaccuracies.
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.
An NIPT result is considered incorrect when it indicates a high probability of Down syndrome, but the foetus does not actually have the condition. If you receive a high-probability result for Down syndrome, there is a 1 in 5 (20%) chance that the result could be inaccurate. However, among non-invasive tests, NIPT is one of the most accurate options available
No, NIPT does not screen for autism. It is designed to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), but it does not detect birth defects like open neural tube defects or neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism
If your NIPT test does not yield a result, there is no charge for the test, and we will perform it again using a fresh blood sample. Test failures can occur when there is insufficient genetic material (DNA) from the pregnancy in the blood sample, a situation known as a low foetal fraction. Rest assured, at Numi Scan we will work with you to obtain accurate results through a repeat test
