NIPT Testing

Dr. David Penman is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Fetal Medicine Specialist based in Kent with over 30 years of experience. in pregnancy scans & NIPT Testing.

Understanding NIPT Testing

Dr. Penman is a Consultant Fetal Medicine Specialist. So not only is he a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaegologist, but he has also undertaken extra specialist training in Fetal Medicine. This higher level of expertise ensures that you receive the best possible care & can trust that both you and your baby are in safe hands when in need of an NIPT test.

NIPT Testing

  • Appointment Held at Hempstead Therapy Centre
  • Approx 30 Minutes
  • £450.00 After 10 Weeks Gestation

The NIPT is a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) with gender test that analyses the cell-free Fetal DNA circulating in the pregnant mother’s blood. NIPT testing can be performed on women over 10 weeks only, any testing prior to this will not be accurate.
Before the blood sample is taken, a viability ultrasound scan will be performed to check viability and gestation.

The test identifies:
Down Syndrome (trisomy 21)
Edwards Syndrome (trisomy 18)
Patau Syndrome (trisomy 13)
X/Y chromosome abnormalities`
Turners Syndrome (45x)
Klinefelters syndrome (47xxy)
Triple syndrome
XYY syndrome.
This test does not screen for non-chromosome disorders, familial mutations, fetal growth or fetal viability. Should you wish to be tested for other specific conditions please discuss before booking.

Are You PRegnant WIth Twins or Multiples?

NIPT testing can be completed on twin pregnancies but it is important to understand that the results are not always definitive.

In the case of Non Identical twins alternative testing such as amniocentesis is often required. Please contact Dr Penman’s secretary to discuss before booking.

NIPT Testing FAQs

Although we appreciate that the need to have an NIPT may feel overwhelming, here at Fetal Medicine UK we believe that knowledge reduces fear, removes uncertainty, and helps you make choices that are right for you. As a leading fetal medicine specialist you can rest assured you are in safe hands with Dr Penman & he will support you to the best of his ability.

If you are unsure how to calculate how far along in Pregnancy you are, be sure to use our Pregnancy calculator. You can also check your due date.

[ultimate-pregnancy-ovulation]

The NIPT is a non-invasive prenatal testing that simply involves taking a blood sample from the mother. There is no risk to the pregnancy, unlike invasive testing procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

The results will be communicated to you by phone or email within 2-4 working days of the sample being taken. Should you wish to discuss the results in detail, a follow up appointment with Dr Penman will be arranged at no additional cost.

The accuracy of the NIPT test is highly accurate so the chance of inaccurate results is extremely low.
Very occasionally, the blood tested will not have sufficient fetal DNA to be tested and will not pass the quality checks that NIPT Laboratory place on the test. If this is the case, a repeat blood test will be taken free of charge, two weeks after the first test to ensure that sufficient DNA is available. This very occasionally happens with the tests done close to 10 weeks. Here is some information on the NHS website about NIPT testing.

This test does not screen for non-chromosome disorders, familial mutations, fetal growth or fetal viability. Should you wish to be tested for other specific conditions please discuss before booking.

As a reputable Doctor in Fetal Medicine, Dr Penman is transparent with his terms and conditions which are available here should you wish to read them.

Why Choose Dr Penman

There are many factors at play when choosing a private doctor; experience, qualifications, and specialisms are just some of these. Dr Penman is an expert in his field and has supported 1000’s of families in their fertility and pregnancy journeys. Dr Penman holds appointments and surgeries at both The Hempstead Therapy Centre & The Spire Alexandra Hospital.