Non-Invasive Prenatal & Genetic Screening Testing NI

Non-Invasive Prenatal & Genetic Screening Testing NI

New Service at Mourne Scan Clinic in conjunction with NIPD Genetics.

Mourne Scan Clinic are delighted to now offer a brand new genetic screening service to all our maternity patients.

This new genetic screening service will include three different levels of screening and can be done by all pregnant women from 10 weeks of gestation.
We will be offering this new genetic screening service in conjunction with NIPD Genetics Molecular Laboratories Limited.

NIPD Genetics is a innovate, European biotechnology company established in 2010 that designs, develops, and provides advanced genetic tests.

NIPD Genetic testing allows for accurate, safe and reliable testing and likely prognosis for genetic disorders which may occur in pregnancy.

  • Prices

  • Veracity Level 1 £400
  • Veracity Level 2 £490
  • VERAgene £590

The two different types of genetic screening tests available and they are listed below:

NIPD Genetics Veracity

New generation NIPT (this would be similar to known ‘Harmony Test’)

NIPD Genetics VERAgene

Comprehensive NIPT

VERAcity Frequently Asked Questions:

NIPD Genetic Veracity test:
New Generation NIPT (this may be widely known as ‘Harmony Test’)

What is a non-invasive prenatal test?

(This also can be known as non-invasive prenatal screening NIPS)

Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT) has been available in UK since 2012 (this would be more widely used in the private sector)
Already available non-invasive prenatal tests may have been known as ‘Harmony Test’

A non- invasive prenatal test is taken by pregnant woman (this is usually a maternal blood test). This is to determine the possible risk of the fetus being born with certain chromosomal abnormalities.

What type of prenatal tests are available?

In the United Kingdom, you will be offered an ultrasound and a biochemical blood test in your first trimester. This is normally completed in a hospital setting and will happen at your booking scan (first scan ) between 12-14 weeks depending on your hospital Trust and your pregnancy.

These results of these particular tests are taken in combination with other parameters E.G. maternal age, family history and previous pregnancies.

The risk of specific genetic conditions occurring in the fetus are estimated without testing the DNA.

This is believed to have a 80%-95% accuracy rate.

After your ultrasound and blood tests are completed, if the fetus is deemed to have a high risk of a genetic condition, your doctor will recommend an invasive test such as amniocentesis.

This test is highly accurate >99% BUT they have a 1 in 200 chance of miscarriage.

Veracity Test (NIPT test also may be known as ‘ Harmony Test’ ) will allow you the option of a highly accurate non-invasive prenatal test.

What are genetic conditions?

Genetics conditions are caused by unwanted changes in the genome that happen during conception.

There are 2 different types of genetic conditions detected with the Veracity test.

  1. Aneuploidies are genetics conditions that occur when a chromosome as an extra copy (trisomy) or is missing a copy (monosomy)
  2. Microdeletions are genetic conditions caused by a small deletion in a specific region of a chromosome.

How does Veracity (New Generation NIPT) work?

During pregnancy, fetal DNA travels from the placenta to the mother’s blood stream and circulates along with her own DNA.
Veracity is a new generation non-invasive prenatal test that accurately measures the fetal cell-free DNA in the maternal blood to detect the presence of fetal aneuploidies.
During the test procedure In Mourne Scan Clinic, a sonographer or nurse will collect a blood sample from the mother’s arm. It will then be sent to our state of the art laboratories for assessment.
The results will then be sent to Mourne Scan Clinic and will be communicated with the family at the next arranged appointed time.

What does Veracity (New Generation NIPT) test for?

There are two different levels of testing available in Mourne Scan Clinic using Veracity testing.
The Veracity tests detects the most common fetal aneuploidies -these are genetic conditions that occur when there is an abnormal number of chromosomes.

When there is an extra copy, this is known as trisomy or when there is missing copy, this is known as monosomy.

1st level of Veracity testing available: Autosomal Aneuploidies
  • Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
  • Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
  • Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)
2nd level of Veracity testing availble: Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies
  • Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
  • Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
  • Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)
  • Turner Syndrome (Monosomy X)
  • Triple X Syndrome (Trisomy X)
  • Klinefelter Syndrome (XXY)
  • Jacobs Syndrome (XYY)
  • XXYY Syndrome
Microdeletions
  • Digeorge Syndrome
  • 1p36 Deletion Syndrome
  • Smith-Magenis Syndrome
  • Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Angelman Syndrome
  • Cri-du-chat Syndrome
  • Gender determination can be done optionally.

How accurate and safe is Veracity (New Generation NIPT) ?

Veracity directly tests Fetal DNA , therefore it provides the highest accuracy in the most common fetal aneuploidies.

The test is simple and straightforward and only involves a blook test from the mother.
It is safe for your baby as it only involves simple blood test from the mother.

This is not associated with any risk of miscarriage.

Is there an age limit for Veracity (New Generation NIPT)?

No, all pregnant of any age or in any risk category can avail of the Veracity test. Although, the risk of some genetic conditions can increase with age, they can also happen in any pregnancy.

When you attend for your booking appointment at hospital, your midwife or consultant may discuss your level of risk with you depending on your age and family history.

After your risk is discussed with your midwife or consultant, you may want to consider genetic screening.
This will not be offered routinely in NHS.

How early in my pregnancy in my pregnancy can I take the Veracity
(New Generation NIPT) test?

The Veracity test can be taken as early as the 10 week in pregnancy. This is one of the many advantages in of the Veracity test.

How can I take the Veracity test?

Be at least 10 weeks pregnant
Contact your local clinic e.g Mourne Scan Clinic
Make an appointment to have a single blood draw
We will analyse your blood sample
You will receive your results in approximately 10 working days

Have you further questions about Veracity?

If you have any further queries regarding Veracity test or to book an appointment, you can contact Mourne Scan Clinic directly.

  • 02830263712
  • lisamournescanclinic@gmail.com
  • www.mournenew-com.stackstaging.com

or alternatively you can visit NIPD Genetics website: visit www.nipd.com

VERAcity Frequently Asked Questions:

NIPD Genetics: VERAgene (comprehensive NIPT)

What is VERAgene (comprehensive NIPT)

VERAgene is the ONLY non-invasive prenatal test available that can simultaneously screen for aneuploidies, microdeletions and single gene diseases.

The genetic diseases screened by VERAgene are often severe and have a high impact on quality of life. The genetic conditions may include symptoms such as congenital defects, developmental delays, blindness and metabolic disorders.
Early screening of these genetic conditions can allow for parents and clinicians to be aware long before birth.

How does VERAgene (comprehensive NIPT) work?

During pregnancy, fetal cell-free DNA is released from the placenta and flows in the mother’s blood together with her own cell-free DNA.
Cell-free DNA is isolated form the mother’s blood and is analysed independently for aneuploidies and microdeletions. Simultaneously with the paternal DNA to identify potential genetic mutations in the parents using new generation technology and bioinformatics.
During the test procedure in Mourne Scan Clinic, a sonographer or nurse will collect a blood sample from the mother’s arm. It will be then sent to our state of the art laboratories for assessment.

A buccal swab ( inside of the mouth )will also be taken from the father
The results will then be sent to Mourne Scan Clinic and will be communicated with the family at the next arranged appointed time.

What are genetic conditions?

Genetic syndromes are caused by unwanted variations in the genome that occur during conception. Three different types of genetic conditions are detected with the test:

  • Aneuploidies are genetic conditions that occur when a chromosome has an extra copy or trisomy / missing a copy or monosomy
  • Microdeletions are genetic syndromes that are caused by a small deletion in a specific area of a chromosome.
  • Single gene are genetic conditions caused by mutations in a gene.

What conditions can be detected by VERAgene (comprehensive NIPT)?

VERAgene (comprehensive NIPT) can detect trisomies of chromosomes 21,18,13, aneuploidies of X and Y chromosomes, DiGeorge Syndrome, 1p36 deletion syndrome, Smith-Magenis syndrome and Wolf-Hirchlorn sydndrome.

VERAgene focuses on 2000 mutations to screen for 100 monogenic diseases. By combining the detection of aneuplodies and microdeletions with the screening of monogenic diseases. VERAgene provides a thorough and comprehensive picture of the pregnancy using a single test.

These include the following:

  • Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
  • Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
  • Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)
  • Turner Syndrome
  • Triple X Syndrome
  • Klinefelter Syndrome
  • Jacobs Syndrome
  • XXYY Syndrome
  • DiGeorge Syndrome
  • 1p35 deletion Syndrome
  • Smith-Magenis Syndrome
  • Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Beta Thalassemia
  • Tay-Sachs disease
  • Gaucher disease
  • Phenylketonuria
  • Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
  • Canavan disease
  • Fanconi Anemia, Type C
  • Usher Syndrome, Type 1F
  • Myotubular Myopathy
  • Alstrom Syndrome
  • Abetalipoprotinemai
  • Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
  • Alport Syndrome , X Linked
  • Pendred Syndrome
  • Familial Dysautonomia
  • Joubert Syndrome
  • Glutaric Acidemia Type 2A
  • Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Type 1B
  • Factor X1 Deficiency

(The list above does not include all the genetic conditions screened)

Is there an age limit for the VERAgene test (comprehensive NIPT) ?

There is no age limit for this test. It can taken by pregnant woman of all ages. This tests screens for many genetic conditions which are not associated with age.

When can I do the VERAgene (comprehensive NIPT)test?

VERAgene can be performed as early as 10 weeks in pregnancy. This allows for early detection of any potential genetic condition.

Why should a pregnant woman do the VERAgene (comprehensive NIPT)?

Microdeletions and single gene diseases unlike aneuploidies are not associate with maternal age.
Many of these do not have any chemical or ultrasound biomarkers that can aid in early detection.
The risk of the genetic conditions screened by VERAgene is approximately 1 in 50 based on HIGH AND MODERATE risk pregnancies.
VERAgene can accurately screen for these conditions allowing for early detection and clinical management.

How can I take the VERAgene (comprehensive NIPT) test?

Be at least 10 weeks pregnant
Contact your local clinic e.g Mourne Scan Clinic
We will collect a blood sample and a buccal swab from the father
The samples will be analysed by our laboratory
You will receive your results in approximately 10 working days

Have you further questions about Veracity?

If you have any further queries regarding Veracity test or to book an appointment, you can contact Mourne Scan Clinic directly.

  • 02830263712
  • lisamournescanclinic@gmail.com
  • www.mournenew-com.stackstaging.com

or alternatively you can visit NIPD Genetics website: visit www.nipd.com

NIPD Patient Privacy Summary

NIPD Genetics is responsible for processing the personal data collected when the test is taken.
NIPD Genetics have appointed a data protection officer (DPO).
If you have any further queries about how your data is stored and processed, you can contact the DPO.
Email address: dpo@nipd.com
Full name of legal entity: NIPD Genetics Molecular Laboratories Limited (HE 418406)

The data we collect about you
We collect, use, and store some information about such as:

  • identity data
  • contact data
  • sensitive data (applicable medical/ clinical data)

How will we use your personal data?

  • to register you as a new patient
  • to conduct your test ( Veracity or VERAgene) and
  • to process your results
  • to contact you with your results
  • to invoice Mourne Scan Clinic

How we share your personal data?

  • We share your data with your referring healthcare provider, so we can notify them of your results.
  • We may also share you =r personal data with cloud providers as we store certain information in the Cloud.

International transfers
We do not:

  • Transfer
  • Store
  • Or process your personal data outside the European Economic Area unless your healthcare provider is located outside the European Economic Area.

Your legal rights

Under certain circumstances, you have rights under data protection laws to receive a copy of the personal data we hold about you. You have the right to erasure,(right to be forgotten) the Right to restriction of processing and the Right to make a complaint at any time to the Office of the Commissioner of Personal Data Protection.

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