What is the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)?

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a simple and highly accurate screening test that analyses small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood. It assesses the chance that the baby has certain chromosomal conditions, including:

  • Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
  • Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
  • Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)

This test is safe for both mother and baby and can be done from as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy. NIPT offers reassurance early in pregnancy with detection rates over 99% for Down syndrome.

Importantly, NIPT is a screening test – not a diagnostic one. It cannot confirm or rule out conditions with complete certainty. However, it provides a reliable indication of whether further testing, such as CVS or amniocentesis, may be needed.

You can also choose to find out the sex of your baby as part of the NIPT.

 

When will I receive my NIPT results?

You will receive your NIPT results by email within 3–5 working days of your blood sample being taken.

What do the NIPT results mean?

  • A low-chance result (e.g. less than 1 in 10,000) means it is very unlikely that your baby has trisomy 21, 18, or 13.
  • A high-chance result means your baby is more likely to have one of these conditions, but further diagnostic testing is required to confirm this.

If your result indicates a low chance, no further action is usually needed. If the result shows a high chance of a chromosomal condition, one of our experienced fetal medicine doctors will contact you directly to discuss the result and the next steps, including the option of diagnostic testing (such as CVS or amniocentesis).

NIPT does not detect all genetic or physical abnormalities. It only focuses on the three most common chromosomal conditions.

If you would like to know the sex of your baby, this can be included as part of your NIPT.

Do I need any other tests with the NIPT?

Yes. NIPT does not assess for structural abnormalities like spina bifida, heart defects, or brain malformations. For this reason, we strongly recommend you also undergo:

  • A Nuchal scan at 11–13 weeks
  • An Anomaly scan at 20–24 weeks
  • A Wellbeing scan in the third trimester

If your early scan shows a high nuchal translucency (more than 3.5 mm) or major abnormalities (such as exomphalos, holoprosencephaly, heart abnormalities or megacystis), the risk of rare chromosomal disorders may be elevated. In such cases, CVS or amniocentesis may be advised, regardless of your NIPT result.

Who analyses my blood sample for the NIPT?

Your NIPT blood sample is analysed by TDL Genetics, a leading UK-based laboratory in London. Once we collect your sample, we send it with your relevant pregnancy details (name, date of birth, gestational age) to TDL Genetics.
After analysis:

  • Your DNA sample will not be used for any additional testing.
  • The sample will be securely discarded after your results are confirmed.
  • Your blood sample or the extracted DNA samples will not be used for any other purpose.

What is the cost of the NIPT?

Please refer to our Fees & Services page for current pricing, or contact our team directly for more information.