As London’s leading NIPT provider, our team of expert genetic counsellors offers personalised support to help you choose the right NIPT for you.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT) is an advanced test offered by our partner, the London Pregnancy Clinic, to screen for three major chromosomal anomalies:
These figures highlight the test’s high accuracy, with false positive rates of less than 0.1% for all three trisomies. The test can also determine the fetal sex with over 99% accuracy.
Genetic counselling before NIPT is crucial. With various brands, providers, and labs available, this guidance helps you understand the benefits and limitations of each option. It ensures informed decisions by addressing your questions and concerns, providing personalised support, and clarifying complex genetic information. Discussing your options with an expert ensures the best care for you and your baby, leading to peace of mind and informed choices.
Choosing the right Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) for you and your baby is a personal decision. With many tests available, each offering insights into your baby’s genetic health, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. That's why we've introduced our pre-NIPT genetic counselling service. Our compassionate, certified genetic counsellors are here to guide you through your options in a supportive environment. We provide the information and emotional support you need to make a decision that feels right for you and your growing family.
Speak with our certified clinical genetic counsellors experienced in prenatal genetics. Get help selecting the best NIPT for your pregnancy. Receive clear explanations of expanded genetic screening panels. Understand the pros and cons of the most advanced NIPT options. Explore NIPT for microdeletions, single-gene syndromes, and specific genetic conditions. Book your counselling session today for informed, personalised care.
Receive expert guidance and support for abnormal Nuchal Translucency (high NT) or high-risk Combined Screening Test results from your NHS hospital.
An ultrasound is a crucial part of fetal screening. The lab requires confirmation of viability and gestational age for each NIPT submission. While NIPT is highly effective for screening three chromosomal anomalies and some other genetic conditions (Panorama only), it cannot screen for structural anomalies such as heart or brain defects, which are often more serious than Down’s syndrome.
At the London Pregnancy Clinic, they specialise in early detection of fetal anomalies, including the fetal heart and brain. They can detect some severe anomalies as early as 10 weeks. For the best results, it is recommend to do their 10-week scan. If you opt for the Panorama Test at nine weeks, LPC will also perform an expert structural scan for your baby, though this scan may be limited due to the baby’s small size and developmental stage.
We provide a comprehensive range of services, from private GP consultations and specialised men's and women's health care to advanced ultrasound scans and proactive health screenings, all within a reassuring and state-of-the-art environment.
You have a question about NIPT? We have an answer.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) offers several benefits, particularly for Down’s syndrome (T21) screening:
Early Testing: Available from 10 weeks of pregnancy.
High Accuracy: High negative predictive value for T21.
Reliable Detection: High detection rate for T21.
Low False Positives: Minimal false-positive rate for T21.
Cost: The cfDNA test, such as the Harmony Test, can be relatively expensive.
Not Diagnostic: While highly sensitive, NIPT is not a diagnostic test.
Physical Anomalies: It cannot detect any physical (structural) anomalies.
Limited Effectiveness: Less effective for babies with increased nuchal translucency (NT) thickness or structural anomalies.
Processing Time: Results can take up to a week, or even 10 days for Invitae NIPS.
No-Call Results: In about 5% of cases, no results are returned, especially common with the Harmony Test.
Our geneticist can guide you if you have a high-risk combined test. You generally have three options:
Invasive Diagnostic Test: This includes tests like CVS, which have about a 1% risk of miscarriage but provide precise chromosomal information.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): This screens for various conditions without risk to the baby but offers probability, not diagnostic information.
Do Nothing: This depends on your comfort level and preferences.
Our genetic counsellors will explain the pros and cons of each choice, helping you make the best decision. With their support, you can feel confident and informed about your next steps.
Genetic counselling before the SMART Test® helps you understand its benefits and limitations. This knowledge is crucial for informed decisions about your prenatal care. Counselling addresses your questions and provides detailed, understandable information. Our experts guide you through different NIPT brands, ensuring you choose the best option for your needs, leading to optimal prenatal care.
NIPT is a screening method to determine the chance of a baby being born with Down’s syndrome or other chromosomal anomalies. NIPT assesses small DNA fragments from the baby's placenta (cfDNA) found in the mother's blood. This allows early detection of specific chromosomal anomalies without harming the baby.
NIPT is a screening test and cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. If the results indicate a high chance of a condition, follow-up invasive testing (like CVS or amniocentesis) is needed to confirm the diagnosis, which carries a small risk of miscarriage.
Detection rate is the fraction of all patients with the disease who test positive. Positive Predictive Value (PPV) is the proportion of true positives among all positive results. Most NIPT tests have at least a 90% PPV for Down’s Syndrome, meaning 90% of fetuses identified as high probability will have the condition. However, 10% of the time, a high probability result will be a false positive. Therefore, a high probability result requires a diagnostic test like CVS or amniocentesis for confirmation.If you have any questions about NIPT, please contact us via email or phone. Our friendly staff will be happy to explain the test details. For more information, read London Pregnancy Clinic's blog post on understanding NIPT statistics.
Midwives provide care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Genetic counsellors specialise in genetic testing and counselling. For NIPT, a genetic counsellor is more appropriate due to their expertise in the complexities of genetic testing. Understanding these distinctions helps you make informed decisions for the best care.
Yes, NIPT is safe. It is a non-invasive test that only requires a blood sample from the mother. There is no risk to the baby, unlike invasive tests such as amniocentesis or CVS, which carry a small risk of miscarriage. For more information, please visit our partner's website or contact us directly. Our team is here to provide comprehensive care and support throughout your pregnancy.
According to verified reviews from platforms such as Doctify, TrustPilot and Google - 99% patients have a positive experience at Spital Clinic.
"Great experience. Frustratingly we had 3 NIPTs come back with no result so had to do 3 blood redraws but thanks to LPC’s persistence we finally got a result on the 4th draw. After the 3rd no result they also kindly offered us a free anomaly scan."
"I had a surprisingly positive experience. The most friendly and helpful staff, clean and beautiful premises. The visit was smooth and quick but never felt rushed and I was able to ask all the questions I had. Thanks so much!"
"The service was exceptional from the moment we booked to the moment we left the building post our appointment. The lovely colleagues at the main desk were great and approachable. They made the whole process very comforting."
"I really recommend this clinic, everything was smooth and perfect. All staff are helpful and our sonographer Miss Shaz is an expert on her job, she is very kind and explained everything that we asked. I am glad to choose LPC."
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.
