Ultrasound and counselling for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

NIPT is a new screening test for detection of Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21 (detection rate is 99%, false positive rate is 1%). It tests the fetal cell free DNA in the mother’s blood. There is enough for testing once the fetus is 10 weeks and 3 days.

At 10 weeks gestation we perform an ultrasound to check for:

• Fetal viability (fetal heart motion present)  
  
• Fetal size (and dates – must be 10 weeks + 3 days or above to have NIPT)
• Check for multiple pregnancy (ongoing or not – If vanishing twin is present then there is a higher rate detection of abnormality from the DNA of the demised twin and NIPT not validated for use in triplet pregnancy). 
• We will then discuss and answer any questions about NIPT. We then complete a request for Percept NIPT (performed by VCGS) and blood will be collected at a local laboratory.
• Results will be available within 5 working days after blood collection and a copy will be sent to the referring doctor as well as our practice. If a high risk result is returned then diagnostic testing by invasive procedure to confirm the abnormality is recommended.
• Review again at 12-13 weeks to check fetal anatomy by ultrasound is still recommended.