NIPT Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
I offer NIPT in partnership with The Doctor’s Laboratory (TDL), carried out in the comfort of your own home or from Box&Co in Folkestone. This simple blood test screens for common chromosomal conditions, giving you the opportunity to gain more insight into your baby’s health without any risk to your pregnancy.
What is NIPT?
NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) is a highly accurate screening test that analyses small fragments of placental DNA found in your bloodstream. It estimates the chance of your baby having certain chromosomal conditions, including:
Trisomy 21 (Down’s syndrome)
Trisomy 18 (Edwards’ syndrome)
Trisomy 13 (Patau’s syndrome)
You may also choose to screen for:
Sex chromosome aneuploidies, including Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Triple X syndrome, and XYY syndrome (please note this screening is less accurate than that for trisomies)
Fetal sex, if you wish to know
NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic one. A high-probability result means further testing—usually chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis—would be offered through your local NHS team to confirm the findings.
How is the test performed?
A single blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to TDL’s London-based lab, where they use the VeriSeq NIPT Solution v2, manufactured by Illumina. The test analyses DNA fragments to determine whether there are too many or too few from particular chromosomes. This may indicate a chromosomal condition involving the placenta—and possibly the baby.
To proceed with testing:
You must be at least 10 weeks pregnant
An ultrasound is required beforehand to confirm gestation, viability, and number of babies
How accurate is it?
NIPT is highly accurate when screening for trisomy 21, 18, and 13—the most common chromosomal conditions. These are the conditions for which the test performs best:
Trisomy 21 (Down’s syndrome): >99% sensitivity
Trisomy 18 (Edwards’ syndrome): >97% sensitivity
Trisomy 13 (Patau’s syndrome): >94% sensitivity
Screening for sex chromosome conditions and fetal sex is available and generally reliable, but it is not as accurate as screening for trisomies 21, 18, and 13.
NIPT has a much lower false-positive rate compared to traditional first-trimester screening offered by the NHS. However, it does not screen for all chromosomal, genetic, or structural conditions, and it should not be used as a substitute for diagnostic testing when that is recommended.
Can I have NIPT with twins?
Yes. The test can be performed in twin pregnancies, but:
It is not suitable if there is a vanishing or demised twin
Sex chromosome screening is not available for twins
If sex determination is chosen, results will be received as one either male (one or both male) or female (both female)
Will I always get a result?
Most people do, but:
About 2% may need a repeat test if there’s not enough fetal DNA
No extra charge for repeating the test
If no result can be obtained for trisomies 21, 18 or 13 after a repeat, you won’t be charged
When will I receive the results?
Results are typically available within 3–5 working days after your sample arrives at the lab. I’ll personally contact you to explain your results and provide follow-up support or referral if needed.
How much does it cost?
£325.00 for standalone NIPT
£295.00 for clients booked onto a midwifery care package
No mileage charge within 10 miles of Folkestone, Kent
Mileage beyond that charged at 45p per mile
Is this available on the NHS?
NIPT is only available on the NHS if your combined or quadruple test result indicates a high chance (greater than 1 in 150) of a chromosomal condition.
Is NIPT right for me?
Conditions like Down syndrome can occur in any pregnancy, regardless of age or family history. While NIPT is suitable for most pregnancies, it’s important to consider how you might feel about and act on any result before proceeding. I’m here to talk this through with you and help you make a decision that feels right for you.
If you're considering NIPT and want to talk through whether it’s right for you—or if you're ready to book—just fill in the form below and I’ll be in touch to help you get started.