Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a cutting-edge DNA-based blood screening that evaluates the risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) from as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy. At Numi Scan Gosforth, we offer NIPT testing, which delivers greater accuracy than traditional screening methods, significantly reducing the chances of false-positive results. This helps minimise the need for additional diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis.
During pregnancy, fragments of your baby’s DNA circulate in your bloodstream. The Harmony Prenatal Test analyses this DNA to assess the risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and other select genetic conditions. Additionally, NIPT can determine the baby's sex, if desired, at no extra cost. However, NIPT does not screen for non-chromosomal disorders, familial mutations, malformations, foetal growth issues, or viability.
NIPT screening is available for women with pregnancies of at least 10 weeks. It is suitable for single and twin pregnancies, whether conceived naturally or via IVF (using the mother’s or a donor’s egg). In twin pregnancies, NIPT can identify foetal sex but cannot assess sex chromosome conditions. The result for twins will be given as a single outcome—if male, one or both twins will be male; if female, both twins will be female. This test is not suitable for cases involving a vanishing twin.
Note that NIPT testing does not assess the risk for mosaicism, partial trisomies or translocations
NIPT testing is trusted by clinicians globally and is validated for pregnant women of all ages and risk categories.
Unlike other tests for Down syndrome that are done later in pregnancy and require multiple visits, NIPT provides clear results in the first trimester with just a single blood draw.
The results will provide a clear assessment of the risk of your pregnancy being affected by any of the genetic conditions included in the test. Numi Scan Gosforth will deliver your results, and you should continue with your routine scan appointments in the meantime.
Results are typically available within 5 business days, and we will notify you by email as soon as they arrive.
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 generate a result
If the NIPT test indicates a high risk of trisomy 21, 18, or 13, it does not confirm that the foetus has one of these conditions. To be certain, you would need to undergo a CVS or amniocentesis test, which are invasive procedures performed in hospitals that involve collecting cells 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 highly unlikely that the foetus has one of these conditions.
The NIPT test does not identify physical abnormalities such as heart or brain issues, spina bifida, or foetal growth problems. For a thorough assessment of foetal anatomy and growth, it is recommended to complement NIPT with NHS ultrasound scans at 11-13 weeks, 20-22 weeks, and if needed, 30-32 weeks.
The VeriSeq NIPT Solution V2 is not validated for pregnancies with more than two foetuses, foetal demise, mosaicism, partial chromosome aneuploidy, triploidy, translocations, maternal aneuploidy, transplant history, malignancy, or neural tube defects. Certain rare biological conditions may also impact test accuracy.
A low-risk result does not guarantee that the foetus is free from chromosomal or genetic conditions. Some non-aneuploid foetuses may show high-risk results. Confirmatory testing is required for diagnoses in cases of high-risk results or other clinical signs of chromosomal abnormalities.
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.
If NIPT results indicate a high probability of Down syndrome, there is a 1 in 5 (20%) chance that the result could be incorrect, meaning the foetus may not actually have the condition. Despite this, NIPT remains one of the most accurate non-invasive tests available
No, NIPT screening does not detect autism or other conditions like open neural tube defects. It is primarily used for assessing the risk of specific chromosomal abnormalities
If the test fails, you will not incur any charges, and we will repeat the test using a fresh blood sample. Sometimes, there may be insufficient genetic material (DNA) in the initial sample, which is referred to as a low foetal fraction