Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening

Gestation Required: From 10 Weeks

From €500
Available at Bray, Dublin, Gorey
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) blood test in conjunction with an ultrasound scan
Book a Screening

Learn more about this testing

What is Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS)?

Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS), also known as NIPT, is a simple test that combines a blood sample and an ultrasound scan to estimate the likelihood of your baby having certain chromosome conditions.

As your pregnancy develops, tiny pieces of your baby’s DNA (mostly from the placenta) enter your blood. NIPS analyses this DNA to estimate the likelihood of certain chromosome conditions.

Helpful tips for booking your test

  • It is best practice to have your ultrasound scan and blood test on the same day. This allows us to confirm important information about your pregnancy, including:
  • That the pregnancy is ongoing (viable) 
  • Whether you are carrying twins 
  • If there has been a “vanishing twin” 
  • Any obvious structural concerns or fetal abnormalities
  • Aim to book this blood test from 10 weeks + 2 days onwards
     (this helps reduce the chance of needing a repeat test) 
  • If you have a higher BMI, we recommend booking from 11 weeks to improve the likelihood of getting a result (fetal fraction is lower in women with increased BMI)

We require a deposit of €120 for this appointment, which reserves the appointment slot for you and covers the cost of the scan. The remaining €380 can be paid on the day after we have successfully done the blood test.

Unsure of your due date?

Click here to use our due date calculator to find out. 

Locations available for this ultrasound scan

Gorey

The Palms Centre
Block B 2nd Floor
The Avenue
Gorey
County Wexford
Y25 Y5P3

Grafton Street

Grafton Medical Centric Health
34 Grafton Street
Dublin 2
County Dublin
D02 XY06

Bray

Suite 1
I.D.A. Business Park
Southern Cross Road
Bray
Co. Wicklow
A98 Y6W0

NIPS screens for:

Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) – the most common condition, associated with learning difficulties and sometimes heart or other health problems.

Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) – rare but serious conditions that often lead to miscarriage or very short life expectancy.

The test can also tell you your baby’s sex, if you wish, at no extra cost.

Important: NIPS is a screening test. It does not definitively diagnose a condition or check for all possible health issues, birth defects, or genetic conditions.

During pregnancy, small fragments of your baby’s DNA (fetal DNA) naturally circulate in your bloodstream. NIPT analyses this fetal DNA through a simple blood sample taken from the mother.

The process begins with an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and determine gestational age. This scan is performed by ourselves in any of our clinics, and the cost is included in the total fee.

Following the ultrasound, a blood sample is collected in Rose Clinic Bray. This sample is used to analyse the fetal DNA and estimate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities or certain genetic disorders. Since this is a non-invasive procedure, there is no risk of miscarriage associated with the test.

Results are typically available within 7–10 days. However, more comprehensive screening panels may take up to 6 weeks.

FAQ's

The standard test screens for:

  • Trisomy 21, 18, and 13 
  • Baby’s sex (optional) 

Additional tests: There is also an optional panel for sex chromosome conditions XXX, XYY, XXY (Klinefelter syndrome), and a missing X chromosome in a girl (Turner syndrome). Routine testing for these conditions is not advised because they often present with a wide range of severity and can be mild or even asymptomatic, which makes the value of early detection ethically complex. In addition, NIPS has lower positive predictive value for sex chromosome abnormalities compared to common trisomies, leading to a higher chance of false-positive results and unnecessary anxiety and invasive testing. The uncertain prognosis and potential for overdiagnosis can also create challenges in counselling and decision-making, so most guidelines suggest offering testing selectively rather than as part of routine screening. If you have a genuine reason for requesting this additional panel, we need a referral letter from your physician so that we can ensure the results and your care are handled appropriately.

You can have NIPS if you are:

  • At least 10 weeks pregnant 
  • Pregnant naturally or through IVF (including donor eggs) 
  • Expecting twins 

For twin pregnancies:

  • The sex of twins will be reported as one result. If male, one or both of the twins will be male. If female, both twins will be female.
  • It cannot assess sex chromosome conditions 
  • It is not suitable if there has been a “vanishing twin”
  • Cancer, unless in remission, as NIPT may detect cell free DNA (cfDNA) in the maternal blood which is released by a cancerous tumour.
  • Received a blood transfusion in the previous 4 months, as studies show that donor DNA in blood transfusion recipients lasts for several months, sometimes longer.
  • Had bone marrow or organ transplant, as donor DNA will be present.
  • Immunotherapy in the current pregnancy, excluding intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment.
  • Had stem cell therapy, as this will depend on whether she has received her own stem cells or stem cells from a donor (certain methods of NIPT are not suitable for stem cell transplants).
  • A vanishing twin pregnancy (an empty second pregnancy sac or a second pregnancy sac containing a non-viable fetus), as there is evidence to suggest that the placenta can continue to shed cell free fetal DNA (cffDNA) even after the baby has died.

In about 2% of cases, there may not be enough of the baby’s DNA in the sample to give a result. If this happens, you may be asked to provide another blood sample at no extra cost.

Yes. NIPS does not replace routine pregnancy care.

It does not check for:

  • Physical abnormalities (such as spina bifida) 
  • Baby’s growth 
  • All genetic conditions 

For this reason, it’s important to attend all recommended ultrasound scans and antenatal visits during your pregnancy.

Take home Package

The ultrasound suite offers a fantastic package for expectant parents to take home after their pregnancy scan.

This comprehensive package includes a detailed ultrasound report and two glossy photograph printouts, capturing precious moments in high-quality images.

Additionally, digital pictures and a video clip of the scan are conveniently sent to you via SMS or email, ensuring that these cherished memories are easily accessible and shareable with loved ones.

Meet

Our Sonographers

Debbie Sudding
Deborah Sudding

Director and Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Deborah has been a qualified sonographer for over 18 years. As the Director, she is deeply committed to outstanding patient-centred healthcare, continually striving to enhance the quality of care through innovation and compassionate leadership. Her dedication ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of diagnostic imaging and personalised attention.
Danyelle Howard
Danyelle Howard Hill

Lead Clinical Specialist Sonographer

With over 14 years of experience, Danyelle Howard Hill excels in performing a diverse range of ultrasound examinations. Her commitment to compassion and professionalism sets her apart as a leader in the field. She sits on the management team as Lead Clinical Specialist Sonographer.
Diana Ciornei
Diana Ciornei

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Diana Ciornei has over seven years of sonography experience, specialising in high-risk obstetrics and patient care. Her expertise extends to abdomen, gynaecological, small parts, obstetrics and vascular studies. Diana’s strong communication skills enhance her ability to deliver quality diagnostic ultrasound examinations, ensuring optimal patient care.
Olesia
Olesia Cabric

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Olesia Cabric is a highly skilled sonographer with extensive knowledge of complex perinatal cases. She also has a versatile background in abdomen, gynaecology, and vascular ultrasound exams. With eight years of sonography experience, Olesia is fluent in English and Russian and has a passion for travel.
Rebecca
Rebecca Falnes

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Rebecca Falnes, a Johns Hopkins graduate, brings over eleven years of comprehensive experience in obstetrics, general, vascular, echocardiography, paediatrics, transplants, and ABI/TBI/PVR ultrasound exams. An avid hiker, Rebecca’s distinguished background includes service in the United States Air Force as a Korean Linguist and Intelligence Analyst.
Alyssa Brennan

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Alyssa consistently demonstrates outstanding patient care, excelling at comforting and reassuring those who may feel nervous or anxious. Her bright, cheerful, and easy-going personality contributes to a welcoming atmosphere. Alyssa possesses advanced skills across a range of ultrasound disciplines, including MSK, Doppler, Obstetrics, General, and paediatric imaging.

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