What is NIPT?

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it’s natural to feel anxious about your baby’s health and development. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a simple blood test that can offer extra reassurance early in pregnancy. From around 10 weeks, a small sample of your blood is taken and analysed to look at tiny fragments of your baby’s DNA from your placenta that naturally circulate in your bloodstream. Because it is non-invasive (uses a sample of the mother’s blood taken from her arm), there is no risk to you or your baby whatsoever.

Package Intro Image
Package Intro Image

How accurate is it?

NIPT doesn’t diagnose a condition outright, but it is considered an accurate screening test for some common conditions. For example, it can detect over 99% of cases of Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21), although that percentage can vary by provider and condition being screened for.

It is also significantly more accurate than older screening methods, including the NHS Combined Test (around 85–90% accurate for Down’s syndrome) only available at around 11–14 weeks of pregnancy. Most parents find that a “low-chance” result provides real peace of mind, helping them enjoy the rest of their pregnancy with less worry. If the test shows a “higher-chance” result, you will have the opportunity to discuss your results with one of our experienced midwives and your health care provider to go over your options, which may include diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) with the NHS to confirm any findings.

At Baby Scanning Boutique, we believe information is empowering. NIPT gives expectant parents clearer insight, earlier in pregnancy, using the most advanced science available, all with a simple blood test and a friendly, caring approach from our experienced team.

Our NIPT Test Options

At Baby Scanning Boutique, we use the PanoramaTM test from Natera, one of the world’s leading laboratories in prenatal screening.

Panorama uses advanced technology to analyse your baby’s DNA from your placenta and provide the most accurate results available via NIPT.

We offer three levels of Panorama screening, each carefully tailored to suit different parents’ preferences and requirements for information about their baby’s health.

  • What’s Included in This Test

    All Panorama tests include full analysis for Triploidy, something no other major NIPT provider currently offers. Additionally, you have the choice to add babies gender to the test too free of charge for each level.

  • Please Be Aware

    Please Note: An ultrasound scan must have been carried out prior to having an NIPT. If you opt for the test only NIPT, you must have already attended your 12 week NHS scan. Please bring your NHS scan report with you as we require this to confirm gestational age.

Book your appointment

Found the right test? Book your appointment in a couple of clicks, or call us on 01244 816922 if you’d like a hand choosing.

Book your blood test

More About Your NIPT Package

  • What's included in your NIPT package

    • Appointment duration: 20 Minutes
    • Includes early or late reassurance scan (depending on your gestational age and package chosen)
    • Confirm single or multiple pregnancies
    • Blood sample
    • Results arrive within 7-14 working days.
    • The opportunity to discuss prenatal screening options with our highly experienced Midwife before your test
    • Optional confirmation of your baby's gender
    • An ultrasound Scan to confirm viability and gestation
    • Your blood sample will be taken by a fully trained and experienced nurse. For added comfort, butterfly needles are available for those with more delicate veins.
    • The opportunity to discuss your results with our experienced Midwife once your report is ready
    • Information about your options and support with your choices

  • Preparing for your Panorama NIPT

    Please attend your scan and blood test at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment as there is some paperwork you will need complete first.

    Try to keep hydrated If an ultrasound is part of your visit, drinking a few glasses of water about an hour beforehand can help make the baby more visible and helps us achieve clearer images.

    If you have any further questions about NIPT, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail. Information leaflets are also available in clinic.

  • Please Note

    • An ultrasound scan must be completed before this blood test can be performed. If you choose to have a blood test only, we will need to review a copy of your ultrasound scan report before taking your blood sample.
    • There is no extra charge for twins or multiple pregnancies
    • Please note we only provide scans to persons over the age of 18
    • The video recording has no audio capability
    • Sex confirmation, the earliest you can have a scan to check your baby's sex is around 14 weeks. An NIPT can be taken from as early as 10 weeks, with the results arriving just 7-14 working days later. Having an NIPT as part of your first scan appointment provides you with a more rounded introduction to your baby, with an earlier possible insight into what the sex is likely to be.

Which gender option is right for me?

Prefer to know even earlier? Our Blue or Pink early gender blood test tells you from just 6 weeks, or find out with the added reassurance of NIPT screening from 10 weeks.
Blue or Pink Early Gender Test NIPT
Gender Option Image

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that you will have lots of questions about the services we offer so we’ve tried to collect our most frequently asked questions below, but if you have anything not covered then please don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask us.

How do I book a blood test?

Booking is simple. You can choose your test online and call us on 01244 816922 to select a convenient appointment time at our clinic. Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive full details along with any preparation instructions.

How long does it take to receive my results?

Most results are available within 3–5 working days from when your sample reaches the laboratory. Some specialised tests may take slightly longer, and this will be clearly stated on the test page.

Do I need to fast before my blood test?

Some tests require fasting for 8–12 hours, while others do not. Any preparation requirements will be clearly shown on the individual test page and in your booking confirmation email.

What will my results include?

Your results will include a clear breakdown of each biomarker tested, along with a GP-reviewed commentary to help you understand what your results may mean.

Are these blood tests a diagnosis?

No — these tests are screening tools designed to provide insight into your health. They are not intended to provide a formal diagnosis. If any results fall outside of the expected range, we recommend discussing them with your GP or healthcare professional for further advice and next steps.

Can I take these tests at home or do I need to attend the clinic?

All our blood tests are carried out in-clinic and the blood draw will be performed by our fully qualified and experienced phlebotomists.

Who processes my blood sample?

All samples are processed by our trusted laboratory partner, Goodbody Clinic, ensuring high standards of accuracy and reliability.

What happens if my results are abnormal?

If any of your results fall outside the expected range, your report will highlight this and include guidance within the GP commentary. We would always recommend sharing your results with your GP, who can provide further assessment or arrange additional testing if needed.

Are blood tests suitable for everyone?

Most of our blood tests are suitable for adults aged 18 and over. If there are any specific restrictions or requirements, these will be clearly outlined on the individual test page.

Will my results be confidential?

Yes — your results are handled securely and confidentially. They will only be shared with you, unless you choose to share them with your GP or another healthcare professional.

What if I’m not sure which test I need?

If you’re unsure which test is most suitable, you can explore our test categories or get in touch with our team. We’re always happy to help guide you based on your needs.

How accurate are the blood tests?

Our blood tests are processed by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) & UKAS accredited laboratory using clinically validated methods and analysers that are laboratory-standard in quality, reliability and accuracy to ensure the same high level of accuracy and reliability that you would expect from any healthcare facility. However, it’s important to understand that these tests are screening tools, providing a snapshot of your health at the time of testing. Results can sometimes be influenced by factors such as diet, medications, timing of the test, or natural biological variation. For this reason, results should be interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history. If you have any concerns about your results, we recommend discussing them with your GP or healthcare professional, who can provide further guidance or arrange additional testing if needed.

Before You Book

Important Note

Please let us know prior to your appointment if any of the following:

  • You have a disability
  • You have any allergies that we should be aware of
  • You have a medical condition that we need to be made aware of
  • If you do not speak and/or read and understand English
  • Anything else we should be made aware of

Please Be Aware

Some people may feel dizzy and/or faint during and after their blood draw. If this has happened to you in the past, please tell the person carrying out the test so they are aware. The maximum attempts that are permitted with your consent will be two blood draw attempts. It is common to have a small amount of bruising after the procedure. This is normal and should resolve after a few days. However, if the area becomes red or swollen, please seek medical advice. Its fine to bring someone with you for support.

Important Notice

Do not book an appointment if either of the following apply to you:
You are under the age of 18 as we have a strict over 18 policy (We may need to ask for proof of age and ask to see ID prior to your appointment)