Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

When you are pregnant you want and need clear answers and the best information for peace of mind.

Accurate Prenatal Testing

MUMS offer two NIPT ( Non-Invasive Pre Natal Test ) options.

  1. Panorama Test
  2. Harmony Test

A Non-Invasive Prenatal Test is a test offered in pregnancy to give the most accurate answer for some chromosomal conditions, without the risk of miscarriage. This is a blood test usually performed in conjunction with an ultrasound scan. The scan is a dating/viability scan.

The test is a DNA/screening test where a sample of blood is taken from the mother from as early as 9 weeks gestation for Panorama and 10 weeks for Harmony.

This simple prenatal genetic blood test reveals the likelihood of your baby having a condition such as Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome and other specific chromosome conditions. There is also an option for you reveal the gender of the baby with NIPT Testing when the result is processed. If you want a gender scan as opposed to NIPT testing – see our antenatal gender scan.

The Nuchal Translucency Screening Test – is the traditional way of screening for Downs Syndrome in the NHS and carried out between 11-14 weeks. This test gives you a risk based on the Nuchal Translucency Measurement, hormone blood results and maternal age. It is not as accurate as the Gold Standard – NIPT Tests – Harmony and Panorama. The detection rate from Nuchal Screening is 85-90% whereas NIPT Testing detection rates are 99.9% accurate for Downs Syndrome. Women may still choose to have their NHS 12 week scan and have NIPT privately.

The NIPT test performance is superior to traditional screening for Down syndrome. The NIPT test is the most accurate screening which is non-invasive using cell free DNA to detect chromosome abnormalities. Chromosomal conditions such as Down Syndrome do not typically run in families and can happen to anyone in pregnancy, although the chance of having a baby with Down Syndrome increases with age. However, most babies born with Down Syndrome are born to women under the age of 35, as the uptake of screening is less common in this age range. Cell Free DNA (cfDNA) can provide accurate screening to assess the risk of a baby having a condition referred to as a Trisomy where there are 3 copies of a chromosome as opposed to the two that are expected.

Sex chromosome conditions occur when there is a missing, extra, or incomplete copy of the X or Y chromosome. Both Panorama and Harmony tests with sex chromosome aneuploidy panel options assess risks for abnormal X and Y chromosomes for example Klinefelter and Turner syndromes

The Non-Invasive Prenatal Test does not provide information on other physical defects such as spina bifida, or information on fetal growth. It is therefore recommended that the mother has all the usual ultrasound scans during her pregnancy.

At the time of birth, Trisomy 21 is the most prevalent trisomy. Trisomy 21, is also known as Down syndrome, and can cause digestive problems, congenital heart issues, and other deformities in addition to being linked to moderate to severe intellectual/learning difficulties.

A high rate of miscarriage is linked to Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). These affected babies have multiple abnormalities including congenital heart problems and significant cognitive abnormalities incompatible with independent life. Only a few affected newborns survive past their first year of life, the majority pass away during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Pricing

Panorama Base Test & USS
From 9 weeks, 10 day turnaround from arrival to lab, includes 22q11.2 & Triploidy
£450
Panorama Base Test & Extended Panel ( microdeletions ) & USS
From 9 weeks, 10 day turnaround from arrival to lab, includes 22q11.2, Triploidy, 1p36 deletion, Prader Willi, Angelman, Cri-du-chat syndromes.
£650
Panorama Base Test without USS ( scanned within last 48hrs )
From 9 weeks, 10 day turnaround from arrival to lab, includes 22q11.2 & Triploidy
£400
Panorama Base Test & Extended Panel ( microdeletions) without USS ( scanned within last 48hrs )
From 9 weeks, 10 day turnaround from arrival to lab, includes 22q11.2 & Triploidy, 1p36 deletion, Prader Willi, Angelman, Cri-du-chat syndromes.
£600
Standard Harmony & USS
From 10 weeks, 10 day turnaround from arrival to lab 
£450
Standard Harmony without USS ( scanned within last 48hrs)
From 10 weeks, 10 day turnaround from arrival to lab
£400

Frequently Asked Questions