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Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a screening method used during pregnancy to detect certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).

It is a safe, non-invasive procedure that analyses cell-free DNA from the mother’s blood to identify potential abnormalities in the fetus. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is important because it provides a safe and effective way to screen for certain chromosomal conditions during pregnancy.

Book a Non-Invasive Prenatal Test at HerView Ultrasound today.

Price: €500 (includes testing + scan)

HerView Ultrasound offers two leading NIPT tests, including:

What types of NIPTS Tests are Available?

  • The Panorama Test Provides a more comprehensive screening, including Trisomy 21, 18, 13, Triploidy, Monosomy X, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and four additional microdeletions. Testing is available from 9 weeks gestation.
  • The PerinatalSeq Test Screens for Trisomy 21, 18, and 13, as well as other chromosomal disorders. It also offers optional fetal sex determination. Testing is available from 10 weeks gestation.

HerView NIPT Guide
Panorama vs PerinatalSeq

Panorama PerinatalSeq
Tests For Trisomy 21, 18, 13,
Sex Chromosome Conditions,
Triploidy,
Optional Microdeletions
Trisomy 21, 18, 13,
Optional Sex
Chromosome Conditions
Available From 9+ Weeks 10+ Weeks
Turnaround Time 7–10 Working Days 3–5 Working Days*
Works for Donor Eggs / Surrogacy Yes Yes
Detects Triploidy Yes No
Detects Microdeletions Yes (Optional Panel) No
Accuracy >99% accuracy for common trisomies >99% accuracy for common trisomies

*Working Days – From Receipt at Lab

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing FAQ's

1. Can NIPT determine the sex of my baby?

Yes, NIPT can determine the sex of the baby. The Panorama and PerinatalSeq Tests offered by HerView Ultrasound optional fetal sex determination.

2. Is NIPT suitable for high-risk pregnancies?

NIPT is especially recommended for high-risk pregnancies, including cases where there is a family history of chromosomal abnormalities or the mother is of advanced maternal age. HTS Labs’ test offerings are designed to offer accurate detection for such pregnancies.

3. How does HerView collaborate with HTS Labs for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing?

At HerView Ultrasound, we utilize the advanced capabilities of HTS Labs to offer a range of Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPT) for our patients. HTS Labs' specialized NIPT testing laboratories in the EU and the US ensure the highest caliber of service, providing accurate detection for high-risk pregnancies, including cases with a family history of chromosomal abnormalities or advanced maternal age. All reporting is completed through the TrackR system, ensuring a complete audit trail and focusing on quick turnaround times due to the sensitive nature of these tests.

4. Why choose Panorama?

Panorama is the most widely ordered NIPT. Only a simple blood draw is required. Panorama is the only NIPT that can tell the difference between your DNA and the baby’s DNA, leading to fewer incorrect results and no fetal sex errors in clinical validation studies.

5. What does a low risk result mean?

A low risk result means that the chance your baby has one of the conditions tested by Panorama is very unlikely, but not zero—less than 1 in 10,000 for most conditions.

6. What if I receive a high risk result?

Panorama is a screening test, which means that this test does not make a final diagnosis. A high risk result means that your pregnancy has a higher chance of having a specific genetic condition. However, you cannot know for sure if your baby has that condition based upon the screening result alone. If you receive a high risk Panorama result, speak with your healthcare provider (HCP) to discuss which next steps you could decide to do, such as genetic counseling, detailed ultrasound, and the option of diagnostic testing. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your HCP regarding diagnostic testing during the pregnancy, like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, or testing the baby after birth.

7. Are there other types of results?

About 1 in 65 tests receive a no result or other type of result. You should speak with your HCP about these result types and whether you should consider having a second blood draw to do the test again. There is also a small chance that Panorama will have a result relating to your genetics or your physical health.

8. Who can have the test?

NIPT can be ordered by healthcare professionals for women with pregnancies of at least 10 weeks’ gestational age. This test can be requested for any singleton or twin pregnancy, including those conceived naturally or by IVF using the patient’s own egg or a donor egg. Note that, in twin pregnancies, sex chromosome (X and Y) analysis can determine fetal sex but not sex chromosome conditions. This test is not suitable in the case of a vanishing twin. The sex of twins will be reported as one result. If male, one or both of the twins will be male. If female, both twins will be female. The test does not assess risk for mosaicism, partial trisomies or translocations.

The VeriSeq NIPT Solution v2 is not validated for use in pregnancies with more than two foetuses, foetal demise, mosaicism, partial chromosome aneuploidy, triploidy, translocations, maternal aneuploidy, transplant or malignancy. VeriSeq NIPT Solution v2 does not detect neural tube defects. Certain rare biological conditions may also affect the accuracy of the test. For twin pregnancies, HIGH PROBABILITY test results apply to at least one foetus; male test results apply to one or both foetuses; female test results apply to both foetuses. Due to the limitations of the test, inaccurate results are possible. A LOW PROBABILITY result does not guarantee that a fetus is unaffected by a chromosomal or genetic condition. Some non-aneuploid foetuses may have HIGH PROBABILITY results. In cases of HIGH PROBABILITY results and/or other clinical indications of a chromosomal condition, confirmatory testing is necessary for diagnosis.

Results will be ready in approximately 3–5 working days. Women still can have their 12-week scan for a detailed examination of the foetal anatomy, including measurement of nuchal translucency, nasal bone and other important factors. In this visit, patients can discuss the DNA and ultrasound results with their obstetricians. On the basis of the NIPT result and the ultrasound findings, a patient can decide whether or not she wants to have an invasive procedure (for example, CVS or amniocentesis).