Description

Concepto Complete NIPT Test

Concepto Complete NIPT Test (now called Concepto Absolute) is a comprehensive NIPT and one of the few genome-wide Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPT) in the UK that provide near karyotype-level information. Unlike most NIPTs, Concepto Complete NIPT Test analyses every chromosome of your baby to detect extra or missing parts (duplications, deletions) or whole chromosome changes. Click here to read more about Understanding NIPT  in Pregnancy.

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

 

Conventional NIPT

Most NIPTs, such as TDL Veriseq Express, Harmony, Panorama focus on a limited number of specific chromosomes such as chromosome 13, 18 21 (common Trisomies) and the two sex chromosomes to screen for sex chromosome aneuploidy (sex chromosome aneuploidy) such that they screen for  conditions like Down Syndrome, Edward Syndrome, Patau Syndrome like Turner Syndrome and some may also detect specific microdeletions like 22q11 deletion, (Di George Syndrome) and other rare abnormalities in other chromosomes.

 

Genome Wide NIPT

In contrast, the Concepto Complete NIPT Test  looks at all 46 chromosomes and detects up to 30% more genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal aneuploidies that other NIPTs might miss. This early detection allows for more proactive pregnancy management options.

 

Can Concepto Complete NIPT Test Detect All Abnormalities?

Whilst Concepto Complete NIPT Test  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 Complete NIPT Test  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 Complete NIPT Test 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 Complete NIPT Test is available for single pregnancies but not those with twins or a vanishing twin.

 

Who Should Consider Concepto Complete Test?

You might be advised to have the Concepto Complete NIPT Test 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 Complete  NIPT Test has a very low rate of non-reportable results.

Results are typically received within 10 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 NIPT 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 NIPT Results Tell Me?

Concepto Complete NIPT Test identifies whole chromosome abnormalities like trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, or trisomy (Patau syndrome) 13, sex chromosome conditions like Turner Syndrome and also conditions due to extra (duplications) or missing pieces of chromosome material (microdeletions) if they are over 3-5MB. Some of these DNA changes are associated with rare conditions like 22q Deletion or Di George syndrome or Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which may go undiagnosed at birth. 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 Complete NIPT Test will not work in pregnancies complicated by a vanishing twin or with twins.

 

Test Performance, Resample and Test Failure Rates