Veracity NIPT Test

NIPT is a targeted test which identifies the chance that a baby will be affected by Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes.

• Testing for Down's syndrome – Down's syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when an individual has an additional copy of chromosome 21 (i.e. when three copies of chromosome 21 are present instead of two). Down's syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in children and adults. It is characterised by learning difficulties but can also be associated with an increased chance of other medical conditions. As Down's syndrome is a variable condition, it is not possible to know how affected a baby will be; some adults with this condition are able to lead a fairly independent life, while others need continued support.
• Testing for Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes – Edwards' syndrome (also known as trisomy 18) and Patau's syndrome (also known as trisomy 13) are very rare genetic conditions. Edwards' syndrome is caused by an additional copy of chromosome 18, and Patau's syndrome by an additional copy of chromosome 13. Both of these conditions are life-limiting, and many affected babies die during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

VERACITY Premium detects the most common foetal aneuploidies - genetic conditions that occur when there is an abnormal number of chromosomes:

• AUTOSOMAL ANEUPLOIDIES
  • Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
  • Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
  • Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
• SEX CHROMOSOME ANEUPLOIDIES
  • Turner syndrome (Monosomy X)
  • Triple X syndrome (Trisomy X)
  • Klinefelter syndrome (XXY)
  • Jacobs syndrome (XYY)
  • XXYY syndrome
• MICRODELETIONS
  • DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2)
  • 1p36 deletion syndrome (1p36)
  • Smith-Magenis syndrome (17p11.2)
  • Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (4p16.3)
  • Gender determination can be done optionally

VERACITY directly tests foetal DNA, therefore it provides the highest accuracy (>99%) in the detection of the most common foetal aneuploidies. VERACITY is safe for your baby as it only requires a simple blood draw from the mother, which is not associated with the risk of miscarriage unlike invasive methods like CVS and amniocentesis.

Yes – in addition to screening for chromosomal abnormalities, the VERACITY Premium NIPT test can determine the sex of your baby with 99.9% accuracy.

The VERACITY Premium NIPT test is available to all women from 10 weeks of pregnancy. It is suitable for single, twin and IVF pregnancies.

Non-invasive prenatal testing is NOT suitable for women who:

• Have cancer or chromosomal abnormalities (including trisomy 13, 18 and 21)
• Have received an organ transplant, immunotherapy or stem cell therapy in the last 12 months
• Have had a blood transfusion in the last 3 months
• Are pregnant with more than two children (triplets, quadruplets, etc.)
• Have not yet reached 10 weeks gestation

There are two possible results:

• Low Risk - This means it is very unlikely that your baby will be affected by Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome.
• High Risk - This means that there is an increased chance that your baby will be affected by Down's, Edwards' or Patau's syndrome. This result should be discussed with your midwife and confirmed with an invasive diagnostic test, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. Confirmation is required because, in a very small number of cases, the DNA from the placenta may not be representative of the baby's DNA. Your midwife will be able to support you and help you to make an informed decision.

To book your blood draw appointment, click the ‘Book Now’ link above or call 02920 732671 and select option 1. Please note that this test is only available if you are at least 10 weeks pregnant.

When you book your NIPT test, we will send an appointment confirmation email detailing the date and time of your scheduled blood draw (facilitated on behalf of Medicover Genetics).

On the day of your appointment our team will ensure you meet the relevant criteria by completing a Sample Information Form with you in advance of your blood draw at which time we obtain your informed consent. During this consultation we will require details of your height, weight and gestation age calculated from LMP or scan EDD. It's recommended to stay well hydrated before a blood draw, so drink an extra glass of water if you can.

A detailed report will be provided by the laboratory and this will be emailed to you by our customer care team within 10 working days of our sample collection.

Medicover Genetics is part of the multi-billion euro global healthcare provider Medicover Healthcare Group, a leading international heathcare and diagnostic services provider with headquarters in Sweden, and with main genetics operations in Germany and Cyprus.

Medicover Genetics present in around 40 nations across the world and their state of the art laboratory in Cyprus where your sample will be analysed has CAP/CLIA/ISO/CE-IVD accreditations.

• Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC): National charity offering non-directive information and support to parents before, during and after antenatal screening. Visit www.arc-uk.org, or call the helpline on 0845 077 2290 or 0207 713 7486 (open Monday to Friday 10am - 5.30pm).
• Down's Syndrome Association: Visit www.downs-syndrome.org.uk, or call 0333 1212 300 (open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).
• Support Organisation for Trisomy 13/18 (SOFT): www.soft.org.uk

1. Clients will provide informed consent upon arrival of scheduled appointment.
2. First Encounters Ultrasound will facilitate the blood draw at its approved clinic location and collect payment on behalf of Medicover Genetics.
3. The information collected at the time of booking will be used jointly by First Encounters Ultrasound and Medicover Genetics to facilitate the appointment booking. Data collected will not be shared with any other party.
4. Medicover Genetics will communicate test results to First Encounters Ultrasound and we will forward this PDF report directly to you using the email address held against your booking.
5. First Encounters Ultrasound acts solely as a facilitator of the service provided by Medicover Genetics. Reporting of test results will be provided in the form of the laboratory report supplied by Medicover Genetics.
6. First Encounters Ultrasound is not obligated to provide a complimentary ultrasound scan to verify gestation age of the pregnancy.