Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing

Gestation Required: From 9 Weeks

In collaboration with the Bray Women’s Health Centre, we offer Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT Test), including PrenatalSAFE, Panorama, and Panorama Extended Panel.
From €580
Available at Bray

Information on Prenatal Screening and NIPT Tests

In collaboration with the Bray Women’s Health Centre, we provide three screening package options, each comprising a blood test and a scan.

Most infants are born healthy and develop normally. However, a small number may have genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome.

Early detection of many of these conditions is possible through our range of non-invasive screening tests, including ultrasound and maternal blood testing.

Risk Assessment Screening Options

These risk assessment screening options vary in accuracy. A high-risk result indicates a likelihood that the baby has the genetic condition tested for, but it is not definitive. Confirmatory diagnostic tests, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, are recommended in such cases.

A scan is performed alongside the blood test to confirm viability, gestational dating, and the number of fetuses. This is a simple diagnostic scan for the specified information.

 

How to book

To book these packages, please call Bray Women’s Health Centre reception: 

Prenatal Screening Packages

To book these packages, please call Bray Women’s Health Centre reception at 012761522.

All blood tests are conducted at Bray Women’s Health Centre, while the ultrasound can be performed at any clinic. 

We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure you get a convenient appointment time.

Cost: €580

Accuracy: >99%

How long it takes to get results: 5 working days.

Exclusions (Tests that cannot be done.): Nil

Preformed at: 10+ Weeks

This test screens for the following disorders:

FAQ's

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) analyses cell-free fetal DNA in the mother’s blood. It screens for Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other conditions such as Edward’s syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), as well as X and Y chromosome conditions. This simple blood test must be performed in conjunction with a dating ultrasound.

The fetus’s sex can be determined with >99% accuracy, and the accuracy for detecting other sex chromosome anomalies varies by condition. Importantly, less than 1% of women need invasive testing (amniocentesis or CVS) after undergoing NIPT. If the results indicate a high risk for one of the conditions, it does not definitively mean the fetus has the condition, but it is highly likely. Therefore, in such cases, we recommend amniocentesis or CVS. These tests are specific to the mentioned conditions and do not rule out all fetal and pregnancy-related abnormalities.

While most patients receive conclusive results, there is a higher likelihood of inconclusive results for mothers weighing over 85kg, those using blood thinners such as Clexane, IVF pregnancies, and twin pregnancies.

This can cause unnecessary concern and require repeating the test. If you fall into one of these categories, we recommend waiting until 11 or 12 weeks (or later) to perform your NIPT, as fetal fraction increases with gestational age, reducing the likelihood of inconclusive results.

The nuchal scan screens for Down’s Syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome, and Patau’s Syndrome. This assessment considers the mother’s age, fetal heart rate, levels of two hormones in the mother’s blood (free ß-hCG and PAPP-A), and scan findings, including nuchal translucency thickness (fluid behind the baby’s neck), nasal bone, and any fetal abnormalities. Parents will receive comprehensive counselling about the significance of these risks and the options for further investigations, including invasive testing or NIPT.

We follow the Fetal Medicine Foundation’s recommended protocol, where blood tests are done at 10 weeks and the scan at 12 weeks.

This approach increases detection rates by up to 94%. It requires two separate visits, but we prioritise achieving the highest accuracy.

If scheduling this way is challenging, blood tests can be performed from 9 weeks 0 days to 13 weeks 6 days, and the scan from 11 weeks 2 days to 13 weeks 6 days. Booking the scan independently, without the blood tests, results in about 75% accuracy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, and the Society for Maternal–Fetal Medicine recommend using ultrasound measurement in the first trimester as the most accurate method to establish or confirm gestational age. The earlier this measurement is performed, the more accurate the estimated gestational age and due date, provided the baby is developed enough to actually measure (6 weeks plus).

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, 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.

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