Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a simple blood test, taken from the mother, that screens for the most common chromosomal conditions in pregnancy with very high accuracy. At Northwest Health in Bamber Bridge, Preston, we offer the full PrenatalSafe® range — from focused trisomy screening to genome-wide and single-gene disorder panels — with pre- and post-test genetic counselling included as standard. Testing is available from 10 weeks of pregnancy, with results typically returned within 7 to 10 working days.
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What NIPT is
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) analyses small fragments of placental DNA that circulate in the mother's bloodstream during pregnancy. By examining this DNA, the test can identify the likelihood that the baby has certain chromosomal conditions.
Unlike amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), NIPT is non-invasive — it requires only a blood sample from the mother, with no risk to the pregnancy. It is a screening test, not a diagnostic one, meaning it gives a very strong indication but a positive result is usually confirmed with a diagnostic test before any decisions are made.
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What NIPT tests for
The specific conditions screened depend on which package you choose. The most common conditions covered include:
Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
Sex chromosome conditions such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome
Fetal sex determination (if you wish to know)
More advanced packages can also screen for:
Microdeletions and microduplications
Genome-wide chromosomal abnormalities
Specific single-gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and others
We will discuss which level of testing is right for you during your pre-test consultation.
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The PrenatalSafe® range
We offer four levels of testing through the PrenatalSafe® range:
PrenatalSafe® Trio — from £285
Screens for the three most common trisomies: Down syndrome (T21), Edwards syndrome (T18), and Patau syndrome (T13). Optional fetal sex determination included.
PrenatalSafe® Plus — from £395
Includes the Trio screen plus sex chromosome conditions (such as Turner and Klinefelter syndromes) and selected microdeletion syndromes.
PrenatalSafe® Karyo — from £525
A genome-wide screen examining all 23 pairs of chromosomes for abnormalities, including rare trisomies and segmental imbalances.
PrenatalSafe® Complete — from £695
The most comprehensive option, combining genome-wide chromosomal screening with single-gene disorder testing for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and others.
How accurate is NIPT?
NIPT is one of the most accurate non-invasive prenatal screening tests available. For the major trisomies, sensitivity is typically:
Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) — over 99%
Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) — over 97%
Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) — over 92%
False positive rates are very low, generally under 0.1%. However, no screening test is 100% — a high-chance result is always confirmed with a diagnostic test (such as amniocentesis or CVS) before any decisions are made.
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When to have the test
NIPT can be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy onwards. Most patients book between 10 and 13 weeks so the result is available alongside or shortly after the routine first-trimester ultrasound.
There is no upper limit — NIPT can be performed at any stage of pregnancy if you've not had it before and would still like the information.
Genetic counselling — included
We believe NIPT should never be just a blood test and a result. Every test at Northwest Health includes:
Pre-test consultation explaining what NIPT does and does not test for, helping you choose the right package.
Post-test consultation explaining your result in plain English and what it means for your pregnancy.
Genetic counselling support if your result is high-chance, including guidance on next steps and access to specialist services.
This is what makes private NIPT meaningful — not just a number on a report, but a clinician who walks you through it.
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What's included
Every NIPT package at Northwest Health includes:
Pre-test consultation with a GP (telephone, video, or in person).
Blood sample collection at our Bamber Bridge clinic.
Laboratory analysis by an accredited genetics laboratory.
Result reporting within 7 to 10 working days for most tests.
Written report explaining your result.
Post-test consultation to discuss the result and next steps.
Onward referral to NHS or private specialist services if a high-chance result requires further investigation.
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What happens if the result is high-chance?
A high-chance NIPT result means there is a strong indication that the baby may have the condition tested for, but it is not a diagnosis. The next step is a diagnostic test — usually CVS in the first trimester or amniocentesis in the second — to confirm.
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If your result is high-chance, we will:
Contact you promptly to explain the result in person or by phone.
Refer you for diagnostic testing through the NHS or private pathway, whichever you prefer.
Arrange genetic counselling with a specialist where appropriate.
Support you through whatever you decide, with no pressure or judgement.
Most high-chance results are not later confirmed as affected pregnancies. NIPT is highly accurate but a screening test by nature — the diagnostic test is what gives the definitive answer.
Pricing
PrenatalSafe® Trio — from £285
PrenatalSafe® Plus — from £395
PrenatalSafe® Karyo — from £525
PrenatalSafe® Complete — from £695
Twin pregnancy testing — small surcharge applies; please ask.
All prices include pre- and post-test consultations and the laboratory analysis. No additional charges for follow-up if a result needs further explanation.
How to book
Online — use our booking page to choose your package and appointment time.
Phone — call 01772 507767, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Email — info@northwest-health.co.uk.
Appointments are usually available within a few days. A £25 prepayment is taken at booking and is fully deducted from your final fee.
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Where to find us
Northwest Health is at 3–4 Dollywaggon Way, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6EW. We're two minutes from the M6/M65 junction with free on-site patient parking. Bus stops on Brownedge Road and Station Road are within five minutes' walk.
We see patients from across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley, and the wider North West.
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Frequently asked questions
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When can I have NIPT?
From 10 weeks of pregnancy onwards. Most patients have it between 10 and 13 weeks so the result is available alongside their first-trimester scan.
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Is NIPT safe?
Yes. NIPT is a simple blood test from the mother — there is no risk to the pregnancy. Unlike amniocentesis or CVS, it is entirely non-invasive.
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Can I find out the baby's sex?
Yes, if you wish. Fetal sex determination can be included with any of the packages. You can also choose not to be told — let us know your preference at the pre-test consultation.
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What if I'm carrying twins?
NIPT is available in twin pregnancies, with a small surcharge. Results for twins are slightly different in interpretation — your clinician will explain this in the pre-test consultation.
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Does NIPT replace the NHS combined screening test?
NIPT is significantly more accurate than the NHS combined test for Down syndrome screening. Many patients still have both — the NHS scan for fetal anatomy and dating, and NIPT for high-accuracy chromosomal screening. We'll discuss what's right for you.
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Is NIPT available on the NHS?
NHS NIPT is available to women whose combined screening test indicates a higher chance of trisomy. It is not routinely offered as a first-line screen to all pregnancies. Private NIPT means you can have the more accurate test from 10 weeks without first needing a higher-chance combined screen.
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Will the result be shared with my NHS midwife or GP?
Only with your consent. We provide a written report you can share with your NHS team if you choose to.
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What if my result is unclear?
Occasionally NIPT cannot give a clear result — usually because of low fetal DNA in the sample. If this happens, we offer a free repeat test, or refund the fee if you'd rather not proceed.
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How long do the results take?
Most results are reported within 7 to 10 working days. We'll arrange your post-test consultation as soon as the result is back.
Book your NIPT prenatal test in Preston
Available from 10 weeks of pregnancy. Call 01772 507767 or book online.
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Related services at Northwest Health
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Every NIPT booking includes a private GP consultation to discuss your results clearly and confidentially. If you'd like a broader picture of your health during pregnancy, our private blood tests cover a wide range of antenatal markers. Book your NIPT test from 10 weeks of pregnancy
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