NIPT Testing
Hey Baby 4D Birmingham is a boutique private ultrasound clinic based in Acocks Green
What is NIPT Testing?
A Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is a simple blood test, taken from the mother, from as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy. The test picks up the baby’s DNA within the mother’s bloodstream, and, once it is analysed, this DNA can reveal a treasure trove of important information about your baby, including what its gender is likely to be and it can give an indication as to whether certain chromosomal conditions are likely to be present.
Please note: results will take between 5-7 working days upon receipt at the laboratory.
Are NIPT Tests available on the NHS?
At present, NIPT tests are not widely available on the NHS. The NHS does offer a blood test as standard to indicate the likelihood that your baby has Down’s, Edward's or Patau syndromes. If this risk is considered high, you will then be offered further testing which can include an Amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis carries a risk of miscarriage, which is why most parents opt for the NIPT test first; to gain a stronger indication of the likelihood of their baby having Down’s, Edward's and Patau's syndromes. The NIPT test also searches for Edwards’ and Patau’s Syndromes. NIPT screening carries no risk to your baby whatsoever; it is a simple blood test taken from the mother and results are ready within 5-7 working days from receipt at the laboratory.
NIPT testing is a great option if you have been identified as having a high chance of your baby having Down's, Edward's or Patau's syndromes, but do not want to immediately have further invasive tests that could potentially endanger your baby. It's also great if you simply want the option to screen for more conditions or to know the possible sex of your baby as soon as possible, to enable you to be prepared for whatever parenthood might bring your way. The NHS do offer some women NIPT tests, however they are not able to provide them to everyone which is why many opt for a private test instead.
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The Vision Test
What is it and what does it test for?
When a woman is pregnant, the baby's DNA can be detected in her bloodstream. The NIPT test looks at the chromosomes within the baby's DNA. This means it can detect likely chromosomal conditions. There are two levels of the Vision test available. The standard test looks for Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes, as well as giving parents the option to receive information about whether there are possibly any sex chromosome conditions present, and also whether the detected sex chromosomes means the baby is likely to be a XX (girl) or XY (boy).
You can upgrade to Vision Total which screens for aneuploidy for all chromosomal pairs). Please contact our team to discuss your options.
Sex Confirmation
How does it work?
It is important that we confirm that you are 10 weeks pregnant prior to carrying out the test, to ensure the results are valid. All Hey Baby NIPT services include a complimentary scan to confirm your gestational age.
Our experienced phlebotomist will then take one tube of blood from your arm and send it to the laboratory; the whole process takes less than 20 minutes. The laboratory will analyse the DNA to determine which belongs to you and which is from the placenta (baby's DNA). We will then contact you with your results within 5-7 working days. There are upgrade options available where additional chromosomal differences can be tested for.
Click here to book your NIPT test or call us on 0121 682 9677 for more information.
What if the test finds something?
How much does it cost?
Please note: results will take between 5-7 working days upon receipt at the laboratory.
For more information on NIPT screening with Hey Baby 4D Birmingham or to book an appointment, please call us on 0121 682 9677
