Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) e.g. Harmony test

What it is?

This is a very advanced blood test which examines cells from the baby which circulate within the mother’s blood. It is shown to be superior to the standard Nuchal blood test which is still widely offered to pregnant women.

When can you have it?

We recommend the blood test is carried out from 10 weeks onwards, and in fact can be done at any point throughout the pregnancy.

What can it show?

The blood test has been shown to be a very effective way of screening for several of the more common potential chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome, Edward’s Syndrome, Patau Syndrome, sex-link disorders etc. Recent advances in NIPT can identify more complex abnormalities.

A consultation and basic ultrasound scan is carried out as part of the appointment. The scan is required to a) date the pregnancy b) exclude multiple pregnancy and c) confirm healthiness of the pregnancy.

Please feel free to contact us for any further details or if you have any questions.

The vast majority of pregnancies are normal and result in the birth of a totally healthy baby.  Experience shows this also applies to mothers over the age of 40 who attend CDS.

For further information and appointments please visit our Contact Page