Personalised Services
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing, NIPT
An advanced prenatal screening test that analyses cell-free fetal DNA circulating in the mother's blood from week 10–11 of pregnancy, to assess your baby's genetic risk safely and early.
At a glance
The most advanced prenatal screening available.
One blood sample, genome-wide analysis, and a clinical geneticist to explain what it means for you.
From week 10–11
Available from the tenth to eleventh week of pregnancy.
A single blood sample
One ordinary blood draw from the mother's arm — nothing else.
Singleton, twin, IVF
Valid for single and twin pregnancies, IVF and egg donation.
Genome-wide screening
Advanced analysis across all chromosomes, not just the common three.
Accuracy ≥ 99.9%
Very few false positives, so fewer unnecessary invasive procedures.
Results in 7–9 days
Reported within 7–9 working days, with counselling included.
Pricing
Choose the level of detail that suits you.
Three packages, each including pre- and post-test genetic counselling.
NIPT Standard
£295
Core screening for the three common trisomies and sex chromosome aneuploidies, with fetal fraction reported.
Book NowMost chosen
NIPT Extended
£395
Everything in Standard, plus large deletions and duplications (CNVs) above 7 Mb across the genome.
Book NowNIPT Genome
£595
Our most comprehensive screen: all of the above, plus rare autosomal aneuploidies and targeted microdeletions.
Book NowPlease note: These prices are temporary and subject to update. Please confirm the current fee with our team when you book.
The test
What is NIPT?
During pregnancy, small fragments of your baby's DNA circulate freely in your bloodstream. NIPT sequences these fragments from an ordinary maternal blood sample and looks for chromosomal differences — no needle near the pregnancy, and no risk of miscarriage.
Common trisomies
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
Sex chromosome aneuploidies
- Turner syndrome (45,X)
- Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY)
- Triple X syndrome (47,XXX)
- Jacobs syndrome (47,XYY)
Deletions and duplications above 7 Mb
- Copy number variants across the genome
- Missing or additional segments of genetic material
- Changes associated with severe fetal anomalies and developmental delay
Rare and targeted findings
- Rare autosomal aneuploidies (RAAs) involving all chromosomes
- Targeted microdeletions at 1p36, 4p16.3, 5p15.2, 15q11.2 and 22q11.2
Who it is for
Who should consider NIPT?
NIPT is suitable for any pregnancy from week 10, and is particularly valuable in the situations below.
Any expectant mother who would like early reassurance about her baby's chromosomal health.
Women aged 35 and over, where the chance of chromosomal conditions increases.
Pregnancies flagged as higher risk by first-trimester combined screening.
Pregnancies conceived through IVF or with donor eggs.
Couples with a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition.
Mothers who wish to avoid invasive testing unless it is genuinely necessary.
Why it matters
Why is NIPT important?
Early answers, safely
Screening begins in the first trimester using only maternal blood, so there is no risk of miscarriage attached to the test itself.
Far fewer false alarms
With accuracy of 99.9% or above for the main trisomies, far fewer women are sent for invasive testing they did not need.
Broader than traditional screening
Genome-wide analysis looks beyond trisomy 21, 18 and 13 to rare aneuploidies and structural changes.
Time to plan
Where something is found, you and your clinical team have time to arrange confirmatory testing and specialist care.
Peace of mind
For the great majority of parents, a low-risk result brings genuine reassurance for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Packages
Available NIPT packages
Each package builds on the one before it. Everything included in Standard is also included in Extended and Genome.
NIPT Standard
£295Best for a first, straightforward screen in a low-risk pregnancy.
Included
- Fetal fraction reported
- Fetal chromosomal sex (Y chromosome detection, also in twin pregnancies)
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
- Sex chromosome aneuploidies (singleton pregnancies only)
Not included
- Deletions and duplications above 7 Mb
- Rare autosomal aneuploidies
- Targeted microdeletions
NIPT Extended
£395Our most popular choice — adds structural changes that standard screening cannot see.
Included
- Everything in NIPT Standard
- Large deletions and duplications (CNVs) above 7 Mb
- Changes linked to severe fetal anomalies and cognitive developmental delay
Not included
- Rare autosomal aneuploidies (RAAs)
- Targeted microdeletions
NIPT Genome
£595The most complete screen, often chosen after an abnormal scan or a previous affected pregnancy.
Included
- Everything in NIPT Extended
- Rare autosomal aneuploidies (RAAs) across all chromosomes
- Targeted microdeletions at 1p36, 4p16.3, 5p15.2, 15q11.2 and 22q11.2 (singleton pregnancies)
- Genome-wide screening of every chromosome
| What it screens for | NIPT Standard£295 | NIPT Extended£395 | NIPT Genome£595 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetal fraction | |||
| Fetal chromosomal sex (incl. twin pregnancies) | |||
| Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) | |||
| Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) | |||
| Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) | |||
| Sex chromosome aneuploidies (singleton only) | |||
| Deletions and duplications above 7 Mb (CNVs) | — | ||
| Rare autosomal aneuploidies (all chromosomes) | — | — | |
| Targeted microdeletions (singleton only) | — | — |
Please note: All prices shown are temporary and subject to update. Sex chromosome aneuploidies and targeted microdeletions are reported for singleton pregnancies only.
The pathway
How the test works
Four straightforward steps, from your first conversation to a result you understand.
Consultation
A short pre-test conversation with our genetics team confirms that NIPT is appropriate for your pregnancy and which package suits you.
Blood sample
From week 10–11, a single sample is taken from your arm at any Hilmi Lab centre. No fasting and no preparation are needed.
Laboratory analysis
Cell-free fetal DNA circulating in your bloodstream is sequenced and analysed on validated high-throughput platforms.
Report and counselling
Your result is issued in 7–9 working days to your private portal, and explained to you by a clinical geneticist.
Your report
Understanding your results
NIPT is a screening test. It estimates the likelihood of a condition with very high accuracy, but it does not confirm a diagnosis.
Low risk
No increased likelihood was detected for the conditions screened. No further genetic testing is usually required, and routine pregnancy care continues as normal.
High risk
An increased likelihood was detected. NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnosis, so a confirmatory diagnostic test — chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis — is offered alongside counselling.
No result issued
Occasionally the fetal fraction is too low for a reliable analysis, most often when the sample is taken very early. A repeat sample is arranged at no additional cost.
Why us
Why choose Hilmi Lab
Validated technology
Advanced sequencing platforms with strict quality thresholds at every stage of analysis.
Consultant-reviewed
Every report is reviewed and signed by a consultant in medical genetics.
Counselling included
Pre- and post-test counselling in English, Romanian and German, without rush.
Convenient collection
Sample collection across our centres in London, Bucharest and Munich, or at home.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is NIPT safe for my baby?
Yes. The test uses only a blood sample from your arm. Nothing is taken from the pregnancy itself, so there is no risk of miscarriage associated with the test.
When can I have the test?
From week 10–11 of pregnancy onwards. There is no upper limit, though most parents choose to test in the first trimester.
How accurate is it?
Accuracy for the common trisomies is 99.9% or above. This markedly reduces false-positive results and the invasive procedures that follow them.
Can I have NIPT with a twin or IVF pregnancy?
Yes. The test is validated for singleton and twin pregnancies, and for pregnancies conceived through IVF or egg donation. Sex chromosome aneuploidy and microdeletion reporting is available for singleton pregnancies only.
Is a high-risk result a diagnosis?
No. NIPT is a screening test that estimates risk with very high accuracy. A high-risk result should always be confirmed by a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis or CVS.
Will I find out the baby's sex?
Fetal chromosomal sex is included in every package and can be reported to you, or withheld, entirely according to your preference.
How long do results take?
Between 7 and 9 working days from the arrival of your sample in the laboratory, delivered securely to your private portal.
Is genetic counselling included?
Yes. Counselling before and after the test is part of every NIPT package at Hilmi Lab, at no extra charge.
Next step
Book your consultation
Speak with a clinical geneticist about which NIPT package is right for your pregnancy — before you test, and again when your result arrives.