NIPT testing at First Glimpse

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NIPT testing can be carried out from 10 weeks gestation and no earlier. To ensure all our customers booking in for either NIPT testing package at the correct gestation, we will require an early scan to be carried out. Once we have carried out your Early scan and can provide you with your estimated gestation. Once completed we will book you in for your NIPT blood test. You can book in for your early scan at any gestation and we will discuss the next steps with you in our clinic. 

Early scan duration: 10 minutes

NIPT appointment duration: Up to 10 minutes for bloods to be taken, 20 minute appointment time 

With our NIPT standard test, a small blood sample will be taken by our fully qualified phlebotomist, which should take no longer than 10 minutes. This blood sample is then sent off to the lab for processing and the results will come back to you within 3-5 working days.  

This standard test provides you with results for Trisomy 21, 18 and 13. 

With our NIPT advanced test, a small blood sample will be taken by our fully qualified phlebotomist, which should take no longer than 10 minutes. This blood sample is then sent off to the lab for processing and the results will come back to you within 3-5 working days.

This advanced test provides you with results for Trisomy 21, 18, 13 and Sex chromosome aneuploidies.

Normally, all cells in the human body have 46 chromosomes, made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes. These 23 pairs of chromosomes contain all of the DNA to determine the health of the baby. Certain  genetic anomalies can occur when a baby develops three copies of a particular chromosome instead of two. The risk of having a chromosomal condition increases as the mother gets older.

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)

Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)

Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)

What are sex chromosome aneuploidies?

Sex chromosome anomalies (SCA) occur when there is a missing, extra or partial/incomplete sex chromosome (X or Y).

The Concepto-NIPT looks for SCAs such as:

X(O) - Turners Syndrome A condition affecting females, due to partially or completely missing sex chromosome. Most of them can lead a normal life with regular medical care.

XXY - Klinefelter's syndrome is an aneuploid genetic condition where a male has an additional copy of the X chromosome. The primary features are infertility and small, poorly functioning testicles.

XYY- Jacob's syndrome is a genetic condition having an extra copy of the Y chromosome in each of a male's cells, the chromosomal change sometimes causes no unusual physical features.

XXX- Triple X syndrome A genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an additional X chromosome in female children. They are often taller than average girls.

Our labs NHS Antenatal Expert & Midwife will contact us to inform us about these results and let us know that they will be contacting the customer to help with the next steps. Usually, their expert will contact the customer on a working day to ensure that right after the call, the customer can reach out to their respective GP. 

Currently through the NHS, there is a blood test taken as standard. Following the initial test, if there is a suspected high chance of your baby having either Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18 or Trisomy 13, you will be offered further testing. 

NIPT testing carries no risk or harm to mother or baby, and has a 99% detection rate.

Recent maternal blood transfusion

Maternal mosaicism

Maternal prior organ transplant/ stem cell transplant

Maternal copy number variations

Maternal autoimmune disease

Fetoplacental mosaicism / confined placental mosaicism

Maternal neoplasms (benign and malignant)

Fetal demise/ vanishing twin

Sex chromosome anomalies cannot be reported for twin pregnancies.