Basic NIPT: screens for Down syndrome (T21), Edwards (T18) and Patau (T13), plus optional sex-chromosome aneuploidies.
Fast lab processing means most parents receive their results within a few working days.
Includes the PrenatalSafe 3UK test, secure sample collection, analysis, and a consultation with a Jeen genetic counsellor.
Conditions like Trisomy 21, 18, and 13 can occur even without family history. Screening helps identify risk early in pregnancy.
*This number is based on UK prevalence data for conditions screened by PrenatalSafe NIPT.
Basic NIPT is a useful test in the case of increased NT; however, it is not a perfect one. It screens for some of the most common associations with increased NT: Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edward syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), but it does not check for many other chromosomal and genetic associations. NIPT does not detect structural anomalies (including heart defects); that’s the role of ultrasound.
It offers very high sensitivity for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, reducing - but not eliminating - the chance of those conditions (rare false negatives can occur). It doesn’t cover monogenic disorders (such as Noonan syndrome) or microdeletions (such as DiGeorge syndrome). The majority of basic NIPTs do not cover Turner syndrome (monosomy X), which is commonly associated with severely increased NT. It’s a screening, not diagnostic, test, and high-chance results will need confirmation by CVS or amniocentesis.
In the increased-NT scenario, use it alongside a targeted scan; based on findings, consider genomic NIPT or proceed to diagnostic testing (CVS from 11 weeks).
Numerous brand names exist for essentially the same screening test for common chromosomal conditions, which we recognise is confusing. The leading brands include:
BBSafe (Cerba HealthCare, France), Claria (MedGenome, India), Generation (Genomic Diagnostics/Sonic Healthcare, Australia), Harmony (Ariosa Diagnostics/Roche, United States), IONA (Yourgene Health, United Kingdom), MaterniT21 (Labcorp/Sequenom, United States), myPrenatal (Veritas Intercontinental, Spain), NACE (Igenomix, Spain), neoBona (SYNLAB, Germany), NIFTY (BGI Genomics, China), Panorama (Natera, United States), Percept (VCGS, Australia), PrenaTest (LifeCodexx, Germany), Prequel (Myriad Genetics, United States), Prenatal-CODE (GeneticLab, Argentina), PrenatalSafe (Eurofins Genoma, Italy), QNatal Advanced (Quest Diagnostics, United States), SAFE T21 Express (Xcelom, Hong Kong, China), SAFE test (Yourgene Health, United Kingdom), SANCO (Genomed, Poland), Tranquility (Genoma, Italy), UNITY (BillionToOne, United States), Vanadis NIPT (Revvity, United States), Veracity (NIPD Genetics/Medicover Genetics, Cyprus), Verifi (Illumina, United States), VeriSeq NIPT (Illumina, United States).
Many brands are traded internationally and may be run in partner or daughter laboratories in other countries. The same brand name can therefore refer to different physical labs.
No definitive, independent, multi-brand head-to-head study exists. Moreover, the same brand may not perform identically everywhere. Labs may use different technologies (e.g. SNP-based, counting/NGS, rolling-circle), instruments, kit versions and bioinformatics pipelines. Local quality control, fetal-fraction thresholds and reporting rules also vary so reliability can differ by lab.
In practice, large antenatal providers who use several NIPT brands simultaneously often know the real-world performance from their internal audits (e.g. no-call rates, PPV, redraw success), which can be very informative.
Basic NIPT is recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of age or baseline risk. Trisomy 21 is relatively common (about 1 in 336 pregnancies in UK data), and the Combined Screening Test (CST) can miss about 10–15% of cases; basic NIPT therefore offers a significant degree of reassurance.
However, when NT is increased, basic NIPT has limited scope because it does not cover many associated conditions; a targeted early anomaly scan with genomic NIPT (extended panel) or diagnostic testing (CVS from 11 weeks) is generally preferable.
Don’t choose in isolation. Work with a large antenatal provider that specialises in prenatal screening and has genetics and expert ultrasound on site. Such centres usually (1) hold internal audit data across multiple NIPT brands (real-world no-call rates, NPV, PPV, redraw success), (2) use accredited labs (e.g. ISO 15189/CLIA/UKAS), and (3) have clear pathways for high-chance results (rapid fetal medicine referral, CVS/amnio, fetal cardiology, counselling).
What to ask before you decide:
Caution: Smaller providers may list multiple NIPT brands yet lack insight into real-world performance, rely on non-accredited labs, and have limited genetics support and follow-up - reducing overall reliability.
Disclaimer! The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Basic and advanced PrenatalSafe options compared to help you choose the right test for your pregnancy.
Basic NIPT screens for the three most common chromosomal conditions: Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards’ syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13). Advanced NIPT includes everything in the basic test, but can also check for sex chromosome conditions, some rare genetic deletions (called microdeletions), and can tell you the biological sex of the baby if you choose to know.
The NHS offers basic, contingent NIPT that screens only for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 (after a higher-chance combined test or quadriple test result). Different NHS genomic laboratories deliver the service and may use different platforms/pipelines, so processes and reporting can vary slightly, but the scope (Down, Edwards and Patau syndromes only) is standard nationwide.
The NHS relies on three genomic laboratory hubs (GLH) for its Non‑Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) service: St George’s SAFE laboratory (South East GLH), the West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory (Central & South GLH), and Health Services Laboratories (North Thames GLH). These laboratories are UKAS‑accredited, ensuring high standards.
The NIPT technology varies between labs. Each uses next‑generation sequencing, but the platforms differ - St George’s employs the IONA Nx workflow, the West Midlands uses Illumina’s VeriSeq NIPT LRM module on a NextSeq 550, and HSL utilises Illumina’s VeriSeq NIPT Solution v2.
Yes, NIPT can usually identify the baby’s biological sex with high accuracy, but this is completely optional. If you’d like to know, just let your genetic counsellor know during your consultation — and if you’d rather not find out, we’ll make sure it’s not included in your report.
At the moment, NIPT is only offered through the NHS in certain cases — for example, if you’ve had a high-risk result from a standard screening test. At Jeen, we offer private NIPT testing with flexible options, fast results, and full clinical support, including at-home appointments and expert guidance.
Your results will usually be ready within 2–10 working days from the time your sample arrives at our partner lab. The exact turnaround time depends on which NIPT you’ve chosen and the location of the laboratory. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process and arrange a follow-up consultation to talk you through your results as soon as they’re ready.
Please note that delays can occur during public holidays in both the UK and the US. If your results indicate that follow-up testing is needed for your partner, we’ll act quickly to keep everything moving smoothly. Our priority is to get you the answers you need without unnecessary delays — so you can make confident, informed decisions for your pregnancy.
You can take the NIPT from 10 weeks into your pregnancy. Before booking your test with Jeen, we ask you to send us a recent pregnancy scan, such as a dating or viability scan, so our team of specialists can confirm you’re eligible to proceed.
Yes, NIPT is completely safe for both you and your baby. It’s a non-invasive blood test that only requires a small sample from your arm, and there is no physical contact with the baby. This means there is no risk of miscarriage or harm to the pregnancy, unlike some invasive procedures.
NIPT is over 99% accurate at detecting Down’s syndrome and also highly reliable for Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes. It is more accurate than standard NHS screening and produces fewer false positive results, which means fewer people are sent for unnecessary follow-up testing.
Yes, at Jeen we believe it’s important that everyone taking NIPT has a chance to speak to a qualified genetic counsellor first. This session helps you understand what the test covers, what it doesn’t, and what the results might mean for you and your baby. It’s a space to ask any questions and make confident, informed choices.
If your result shows a high risk for a condition, we’ll arrange a follow-up session with one of our genetic counsellors to explain exactly what it means. You’ll be given the option to have a diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis or CVS, which can confirm the result. We’ll support you at every step, with clear information and no pressure.
No, NIPT screens for a specific set of genetic conditions, mostly involving extra or missing chromosomes. It won’t detect all birth defects or structural anomalies, such as heart defects or limb differences. That’s why it’s important to still attend all your routine scans and check-ups during pregnancy.
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