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Here you will find information about a screening test available in pregnancy called Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). It is used to screen for genetic conditions in your baby.
Most infants are born healthy. However a small number will have genetic conditions which may cause disability and have serious consequences. Using ultrasound and maternal blood testing, many of these conditions may be detected early in the pregnancy, by the use of non-invasive screening tests.
At the Coombe Hospital, we provide a weekly NIPT clinic which is available to all women after 9 weeks of pregnancy. We provide both Panorama and Prenatalsafe tests which are similar but one may be preferable in certain clinical situations. For example Prenatalsafe is used in cases of a donor egg, while Panorama is used where a condition known as triploidy is suspected. In addition the Panorama test can be performed from 9 weeks of pregnancy, while Prenatalsafe can be used after 10 weeks. Neither are suitable in the case of a ‘vanishing twin’.
At the clinic a midwife explains the test, answers any questions and takes consent. The blood test is taken by our phlebotomist and then an ultrasound is performed by a fetal medicine consultant. The ultrasound scan is performed to confirm that the dates are accurate, that the fetus is healthy and to confirm or check for multiple pregnancy.
The test results are available within 10 working days and the midwives or consultant will contact the mother with the result. Follow up is scheduled if required. In some cases a result will not be possible due to a smaller amount of foetal DNA in the sample. This is more common in early pregnancy or where there is increased maternal weight. In this event a repeat blood test will be performed at no extra cost.
Email: prenatalscreening@coombe.ie
Common reasons for opting for NIPT
NIPT is useful when:
✓ A mother has had a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition
✓ A mother is aged 35 years or over and at increased risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality
✓ A mother would like more reassurance about her baby’s health without putting the pregnancy at risk by doing invasive testing
✓ An ultrasound indicates a concern with the baby’s growth and/or development. Note that in this case your doctor may recommend an invasive prenatal test be preferable.
FAQs
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NIPT is the most accurate screening test currently available and is highly accurate for the chromosome conditions that it tests for. However, the accuracy of the test is not 100% and depends on the maternal age and the chromosomal condition tested for. For example, the result for Down Syndrome may be more accurate than for the other chromosome conditions tested for. There is also the possibility that in a minority of cases, following testing, no results are given. This may be because there is not enough fetal DNA in the mother’s blood, or there is difficulty finding fetal DNA in the mother’s blood. In some instances the sample cannot be processed due to technical reasons. In both instances another blood sample will be taken and tested.
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The test will be reported in one of three ways – Low Risk, High Risk or Not Reported. A low risk result is very reassuring and is highly accurate. With a Low Risk result it is extremely unlikely that the baby has any of the conditions tested for.
If there is not enough fetal DNA detected in the mother’s blood then the test cannot be completed and is not reported (3-8% of cases).
A High Risk result suggest that it is likely that the baby has the genetic condition tested for. However it is important to be aware that this result is not conclusive and that a confirmatory diagnostic test is advised. Diagnostic testing with chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis is recommended in this situation. These are invasive prenatal tests which directly sample the placenta or amniotic fluid cells. They carry a small risk of miscarriage ( 1% for CVS and 0.2% for amniocentesis).
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No test can guarantee that a baby will be healthy at birth. NIPT looks for a number of chromosome conditions including Down Syndrome. NIPT does not provide information on other rare chromosomal abnormalities or structural defects such as heart or spinal cord or brain abnormalities. It is therefore recommended that all pregnancies have an anatomy scan at 20 to 22 weeks’ in the pregnancy to provide further information on fetal structures.
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Depending on the testing method, pregnancies can be screened as early as 9 weeks with Panorama® or 10 weeks with Prenatalsafe®
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If the NIPT result shows that the baby is at high risk of having a chromosomal condition, the mother will be contacted for a follow up meeting with a Fetal Medicine Specialist. Following this consultation an invasive diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis will usually be advised, to confirm the diagnosis.
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The test uses a sample of the mother’s blood. The mother may experience some discomfort when undergoing a blood test but there is no risk to the baby.
Choose The Right Care For You
Our clinics offer tailored care for every stage of a woman’s life, from family planning and maternity to menopause and beyond. Whether you choose Public, Semi-Private, or Private services, we are here to provide expert, compassionate care that supports your health and well-being every step of the way.
Public Clinic
If you are living and working in Ireland and have the PRSI contributions or you have a medical card you can access free maternity and newborn care.
Semi Private Clinic
The semi-private clinic is a fee based option. Most women who choose this clinic use private health insurance to cover costs.
Private Clinic
There are a number of consultant obstetricians offering services through our private clinic. Antenatal care fees vary between consultants.
Patient Experience
Every patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment is individual. No matter your specific journey, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your healthcare.
Departments & Services
Help & Support
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Appointments:
All appointments can be directed through Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day -
Health Insurance:
We operate a direct payment scheme with VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid, ESB, Medical Provident Fund, and Prison Officers Medical Aid. If you are covered by any of these insurers, the relevant insurance forms are signed electronically on your admission to hospital.
Fees:
For more information on Fees - visit our Hospital Charges page -
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Tel: 01 408 5200
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Location:
Cork St, Dublin, D08 XW7X