Fetal Screening
Provides crucial information, helping expectant parents to make well-informed decisions about the course of the pregnancy
We are only able to provide scans and blood tests to persons over the age of 18
Anomaly Scan
20 - 24 weeks
£150
- 30 minute appointment time
- A detailed look at your baby’s development to check for any potential problems
- Sexing of a baby (optional)
- Baby wellbeing report with fetal biometry
- Two 2D thermal photo prints
- 4D preview of your baby (not guaranteed, depends on conditions)
- Digital images and mini video clips sent to your email
- Suitable gestation age is 20 to 24 weeks
- No GP referral required
Standard NIPT
10+ weeks
£279
- Complimentary Early pregnancy scan (normally £79)
- Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edwards' Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Patau's Syndrome (Trisomy 13)
- Sexing of a baby (optional)
- Suitable gestation age is 10+ weeks
- No GP referral required
Premium NIPT
10+ weeks
£299
- Complimentary Early pregnancy scan (normally £79)
- Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edwards' Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Patau's Syndrome (Trisomy 13)
- Turner's Syndrome (XO)
- Klinefelter's Syndrome (XXY)
- Jacob's Syndrome (XYY)
- Triple X Syndrome (XXX)
- Sexing of a baby (optional)
- Suitable gestation age is 10+ weeks
- No GP referral required
Ultrasound anomaly scans and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) are two important prenatal screening methods used to assess the health and development of a fetus.
Both ultrasound anomaly scan and NIPT play essential roles in prenatal screening, each offering distinct benefits. NIPT provides early and accurate screening for chromosomal abnormalities without posing risks to the fetus, while the ultrasound anomaly scan gives a detailed view of the fetus’s physical development, helping to detect structural issues. Together, they enhance the ability to monitor and ensure fetal health during pregnancy.
Fetal screening can provide invaluable information to expectant parents and healthcare providers, allowing them to make informed decisions about the pregnancy and prepare for the birth of a child with special needs if necessary.
*Turnaround time (working days)
The tests take time to be delivered, prepared and analysed, therefore the turnaround time varies from test-to-test
Information about fetal screening
Fetal screening refers to a range of medical tests and procedures used to assess the health and development of a fetus during pregnancy. These screenings are typically conducted to detect potential genetic, chromosomal, or developmental abnormalities in the fetus. Fetal screening can include various techniques such as ultrasound scans, blood tests, and genetic testing.
Common types of Fetal Screening Tests
- Ultrasound Scans: This imaging technique helps detect physical abnormalities, determine the baby’s size and position, and assess the health of the placenta and amniotic fluid. Conducted at various stages of pregnancy, with specific scans like the anomaly scan around 20-24 weeks.
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Cell-Free DNA Testing (cfDNA) in Maternal Blood: This method analyses fragments of fetal DNA present in the mother’s blood. It can detect chromosomal abnormalities with high accuracy, including Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, and sex chromosomal abnormalities. Performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy onwards.
- Amniocentesis: An invasive procedure that involves extracting a small sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus using a needle. The fluid contains fetal cells that can be analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, and certain birth defects. Usually conducted between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Another invasive procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the placenta for genetic testing. It can detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders. Typically performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
The risks associated with fetal screening:
- False Positive Results: Some screening tests, such as maternal blood tests or ultrasound scans, may indicate a potential problem when there isn’t one. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further invasive testing.
- False Negative Results: Conversely, screening tests may fail to detect certain abnormalities, providing false reassurance to parents.
- Invasive Procedures: Tests like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) carry a small risk of miscarriage, typically around 0.5% to 1%. There’s also a risk of infection or injury to the fetus or placenta during these procedures.
- Emotional Impact: Learning about potential abnormalities in the fetus can be emotionally challenging for expectant parents, regardless of whether further testing confirms the diagnosis.
- Overdiagnosis: In some cases, fetal screening may detect minor abnormalities that may never cause health problems or require treatment. This can lead to unnecessary medical interventions and increased anxiety for parents.
- Ethical Considerations: Screening for certain genetic conditions may raise ethical dilemmas, such as deciding whether to continue the pregnancy if a serious abnormality is detected.
Overall, fetal screening provides valuable information that helps expectant parents and healthcare providers make informed decisions about the pregnancy. Early detection of potential issues allows for timely medical interventions and preparation for any special care the baby might need after birth. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of each screening option with a healthcare provider to make the best choices for individual circumstances.