Concepto Advance NIPT Test

Concepto Advance NIPT is a comprehensive NIPT that screens for common genetic conditions like Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edward Syndrome and Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome) and also sex chromosome disorders (sex chromosome aneuploidy) like Turner Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome.

Click here to read more about Understanding NIPT  in Pregnancy.

Click here to learn more about the Concepto Pro NIPT Test!

 

Can Concepto Advance NIPT Test Detect All Abnormalities?

Whilst Concepto Advance NIPT  is very accurate, it is important to remember that it is a screening test, not a diagnostic one. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing does not replace the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis methods like Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, which directly analyse the baby’s chromosomes. False positives and false negatives can occur for various reasons, and sometimes results cannot be reported or may be difficult to interpret.

Any positive findings from the Concepto Advance NIPT  need to be confirmed by other tests, potentially including invasive procedures like CVS or amniocentesis. At Innermost Healthcare we always advise patients with a positive report to seek confirmation of the findings and to receive genetic counselling. Decisions about pregnancy management should not be based solely on the results of this test or indeed any other NIPT.

Concepto Advance NIPT is not a replacement for the 12-week Combined Test or Nuchal Scan  nor  the 20-week scan, which both provide detailed information about your baby’s anatomy that blood tests cannot offer. Detailed fetal ultrasound scans, performed by skilled personnel, can detect most major birth defects, though some minor defects and certain types of anomalies such as heart defects may remain undetected until birth. Additionally one of the hormone markers in the Combined Test called PAPP-A is a useful indicator of the risk of subsequent growth restriction in later pregnancy such that closer monitoring may be advised.

 

Availability

Please note that the Concepto Advanced NIPT is available for single pregnancies but not those with twins or a vanishing twin.

 

Who Should Consider Concepto Advance NIPT Test?

You might be advised to have the Concepto Advance NIPT if:

• You are over 35 years old
• You have had an abnormal screening result for this pregnancy.
• You have a history of chromosome abnormality in a previous pregnancy.
• You have a family history of chromosome abnormality.
• An ultrasound scan identified abnormalities.
• Any pregnant woman.

Since a chromosomal condition can affect any pregnancy you may choose this test to gain as much information as possible about your baby’s chromosomes. The Test allows you to obtain near karyotype-level information without undergoing invasive procedures and the associated risk of miscarriage. It is important to make an informed decision on which NIPT to choose.

 

What to Expect

The test can be performed from week 10  of pregnancy. If the test is non-reportable, a second blood sample will be taken at no extra charge. If it remains unreportable after the second draw, you will be reimbursed the full cost of the test. Fortunately Concepto Advanced NIPT has a very low rate of non-reportable results.

Results are typically received within 5 working days from the day of your blood draw. We will communicate your results to you via phone and secure email, and if there is any concerning finding, you will be contacted by one of our team to discuss your results and if there is an abnormal or inconclusive result a free consultation with Dr Bryan Beattie, a consultant in Fetal Medicine.

 

Why Do I Need a Scan Before the Blood Draw?

If you wish to have your NIPT performed before week 12, we would advise that a viability scan be conducted prior to your blood draw to ensure the health of your pregnancy, to confirm a heartbeat is present and to exclude a multiple pregnancy. This scan is complimentary of you are attending our Cardiff clinic but if not you can arrange this locally. If you do not require a scan and do not live locally we can arrange for a private phlebotomist to take your blood sample at home or at work or anywhere in the UK and Northern Ireland FREE of charge.

 

What Will My Results Tell Me?

Concepto Advanced NIPT identifies whole chromosome abnormalities like trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, or trisomy (Patau syndrome) 13, sex chromosome conditions like Turner Syndrome Having this information before birth can help ensure you and your baby receive necessary support. The test also determines the sex of your baby if you wish.

 

Exclusions

Concepto Advance NIPT will not work in twin or vanishing twin pregnancies or one in which there has been a donor egg.

 

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) FAQs

What is NIPT?

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a blood test performed during pregnancy that analyses small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood to screen for certain chromosomal conditions.

What conditions does NIPT screen for?

Most NIPT tests screen for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13). Some expanded panels may also include selected sex chromosome conditions.

When can NIPT be done during pregnancy?

NIPT can usually be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy onwards. The test involves a simple blood sample from the mother and results are typically available within one to two weeks.

How reliable is NIPT for Down syndrome screening?

NIPT has a very high detection rate for Down syndrome compared with traditional screening tests. However, it is still a screening test rather than a diagnostic test, and positive results are usually confirmed with diagnostic testing.

Can NIPT determine the baby’s sex?

Yes. Most NIPT tests can identify fetal sex by detecting Y-chromosome DNA in the maternal blood sample if parents wish to receive this information.

Why should NIPT be performed through a regulated clinic?

Having NIPT through a HIW-registered clinic ensures that the test is offered with appropriate clinical counselling, safe sample handling and proper follow-up support if results require further investigation.