NIPT test at home in Brighton, Eastbourne and East Sussex
What is NIPT?
If you are pregnant in Brighton, Eastbourne or anywhere in East Sussex and trying to decide whether to have an NIPT test, this post will help. I will explain what the test is, how it is different from the NHS screening, and how you can have it done at home with me.
NIPT stands for non-invasive prenatal testing. It is a blood test that checks whether your baby has a higher chance of having certain conditions, Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome or Patau syndrome. You can also find out your baby’s sex at no extra cost.
During pregnancy, tiny pieces of your baby’s DNA travel through your bloodstream. The test picks these up from a simple blood sample taken from your arm. It is completely safe and carries no risk to you or your baby.
Book your NIPT test with Rise Midwives
NIPT test patient information leaflet TDL Genetics Rise Midwives East Sussex
How is NIPT different from the NHS combined test?
When you have your 12-week scan, you are also offered a screening test called the combined test. It checks for the same conditions but it is much less accurate.
The combined test correctly identifies around 82 in every 100 affected babies. NIPT correctly identifies more than 99 in every 100. It is also far less likely to give you a worrying result when everything is actually fine.
What is the difference between a screening test and a diagnostic test?
Screening test
A screening test does not give you a definite yes or no. It tells you whether your baby has a higher or lower chance of having a condition. Think of it as a very accurate indicator, not a final answer.
Diagnostic test
A diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis or CVS, tests your baby’s cells directly and can give you a definite answer. These tests are invasive and carry a small risk of miscarriage, which is why they are not offered to everyone as a first step.
If your NIPT result comes back high probability, you would be offered a diagnostic test to confirm. The decision to have one is always yours.
Is NIPT right for me?
NIPT is for any pregnant woman who wants to know more about some aspects of their baby’s health from early in pregnancy. There is no right or wrong reason to have it, it is about having the information that feels right for you..
Before your appointment you will need to have had a scan to confirm how far along you are. This does not need to be your NHS 12-week scan, any scan from 10 weeks is fine.
This test is for single pregnancies only. If you are carrying twins please get in touch before booking at virginia@risemidwives.com
Book your NIPT test with Rise Midwives
What does NIPT screen for?
NIPT screens for the three most common chromosomal conditions:
Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
NIPT can also optionally screen for sex chromosome conditions, these occur when there is a missing or extra copy of the X or Y chromosome. These include Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and a few others. You can choose whether or not to include this panel.
You can also choose to find out your baby’s sex at no extra cost.
What if there is not enough DNA in the sample?
In about 2 in every 100 cases there may not be enough of your baby’s DNA in the blood sample to give a result. If this happens, you will be asked to give another sample and there is no extra charge for this.
How does NIPT at home in East Sussex work with Rise Midwives?
I am based in Seaford and cover Brighton, Eastbourne and the whole of East Sussex. I come to your home, you do not need to travel anywhere or sit in a waiting room. I bring everything with me, take the blood sample, and send it straight to the lab the same day.
The lab I use is TDL Genetics, one of the most trusted specialist laboratories in the UK. Your results will be back within 3 to 5 working days.
As a registered independent midwife serving Brighton, Eastbourne and East Sussex, I am also here to talk through the results with you, answer your questions, and help you work out your options on what to do next if needed. This is not just a blood test service. You get a midwife who has time for you.
How to book your NIPT test in Brighton, Eastbourne or East Sussex
You can book directly online below. If you are carrying twins or want to ask a question before booking, just email me at virginia@risemidwives.com
Book your NIPT test with Rise Midwives
For full information about the test visit the TDL Genetics NIPT page
NIPT test patient information leaflet TDL Genetics Rise Midwives East Sussex
Useful resources
Chromosomal conditions
Down Syndrome Association — information and support for families affected by Down syndrome
SOFT UK — support and information for families affected by Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
Turner Syndrome Support Society — information and support for those affected by Turner syndrome
Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association — support and information for those affected by Klinefelter syndrome
Antenatal screening and results
ARC — Antenatal Results and Choices — a brilliant UK charity supporting parents through antenatal screening decisions and results. If you receive a high probability result and need support, this is a great place to start. Their helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm on 020 7713 7486.
Tommy’s — Screening and diagnostic tests in pregnancy — clear, midwife-led information on all screening tests offered during pregnancy including NIPT, written by Tommy’s specialist midwives
NHS — Screening tests in pregnancy — overview of all screening tests offered during pregnancy
